At 03:00 Beijing time (CEST) on June 12, Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of the match, Mexico's head coach Javier Aguirre held a press conference. This article is the second part of the press conference.

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Javier, good afternoon. What does it mean for you to be here today and see this "monster"—the Estadio Azteca? It represents football, like your own backyard...

It's truly fantastic, absolutely fantastic. I'm grateful for life, grateful for my parents, my siblings, and of course, my wife. She'll be here tomorrow; she was here 40 years ago. It's an honor, and I feel privileged to relive this moment now in a different capacity. I need to express my gratitude for this every day; I cherish it deeply.

Good afternoon. Historically, Mexico's national team has always performed brilliantly in matches and situations where they weren't favorites—like the games against Italy and France when you were coaching, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. You've repeatedly mentioned that this team needs temperament and resilience along with quality. As hosts, how do you think this group of players feels about the responsibility of being "favorites"? What have you discussed with the players to ensure that the favorite tag doesn't have a negative impact?

I think they understand their role and know how to play. What I mean is that bookmakers, media, and fans do place one team above another. The home advantage should be clear. The altitude of 2,240 meters, plus our fans—though this doesn't involve playing on the field—is definitely a factor that players must leverage.

When you're considered a "favorite," you can't panic. Everyone expects you to have a big advantage in the first half or to secure a win by the 20th minute. But a match lasts 90 minutes, and you must learn to convert this pressure into motivation. If time passes and the result isn't what you wanted, that's when you need to show the maturity and balance I mentioned. Winning is certainly important, but how you win matters too. I'm confident we're physically and mentally prepared for any scenario tomorrow, whether we're favorites or not. Mexico's national team has very clear ideas and objectives, and nothing will change our original intent.

Javier, I want to ask you: are you still thinking about the players who were cut due to injury? Like Malagón and Huescas? Will tomorrow's match also be dedicated to them?

Today I spoke with Marcel Ruiz and Malagón, and I also went to Copenhagen to see Rodrigo Huescas. Missing an event of this magnitude due to injury is incredibly painful. Injuries are an inherent part of football, and we must learn to live with them. I myself have had 10 surgeries, all because of football. Of course, you regret it; they're still young and were part of the plan, but misfortune has taken away their opportunity to be here.

I'll reiterate: I did speak with them today. There's nothing to do but look forward and focus on recovery. We've invited them to stay with us; they want to give us hugs, and we want to give them back. They're part of our family, and just because they can't be physically with us right now due to injury, our hearts are still together.

Javier, what does Javier Aguirre have today that he didn't have the last time he coached at a FIFA World Cup? Besides experience?

I have psychological peace and inner calm that comes with time. I no longer struggle to control things beyond my reach; it's outside my control. Perhaps before I was more critical, even spending a lot of energy on team discipline, punctuality, phone use, or uniform details. Over time, I realized these are actually characteristics of youth. They dye their hair or bring their phones to the bathroom—it's not that serious. I've made some concessions on the strict discipline I used to enforce. When I was a player, I was very stubborn and rigid, and that personality persisted until... about 8 days ago? That's when I gave in to this "mischievous" group (laughs).

Hello Javier, you were late, weren't you?

I got stuck in traffic, nothing I could do (laughs).

Javier, 21 months ago you were still at Mallorca, you must have been very happy. You left Mallorca in May 2024. Now I'd like to ask you: you've spoken a lot to the players. As this day approaches, can you speak from your heart about how Javier Aguirre, as an ordinary man, feels being the only Mexican to participate in both the 1986 and 2026 FIFA World Cups?

I feel incredibly special, and if there's anything I can say, it's that. Now I have granddaughters, and they'll come watch the match. Forty years ago, I'd been married for just two years; now I've experienced much more and accepted many things with grace. I have more friends, but I've also lost some family members who can't be here; they'll be watching us from above. Fifty years in football and 30 years as a coach—it all feels like a gift. You sacrifice so much along the way—missing family funerals, weddings, living in 14 cities across seven countries. You have to explain to your son or mother that this injury isn't as serious as it seems, that this operation won't force you to retire, that you can't attend a wedding or see your granddaughter born because of work.

You put it all in a bag, and when you arrive here, you feel absolute peace. Though you make mistakes along the way—and I certainly have—in the end, seeing my family healthy, seeing so many people interested, and seeing my amazing team and players, I feel complete, filled with anticipation and calm.

Javier, a quick question: you've never wanted to discuss the starting 11, which is understandable, but my question is: are you still waiting for certain variables to make a decision, or have you actually already decided in your mind?

It's already decided; the structure is very clear.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.