Jaime Lozano Out as Mexico Head Coach After Copa América Exit

Jaime Lozano has been dismissed as Mexico's head coach two weeks after their early exit from the Copa América. Despite being offered an assistant role, Lozano declined, citing principles and a shift from the original project. Javier Aguirre is the top candidate for the position.

Jaime Lozano has been dismissed as the head coach of Mexico's national soccer team two weeks after their early exit from the Copa América.

The Mexican Football Federation announced on Tuesday that Lozano declined an offer to continue as an assistant to the next head coach, citing a change in direction from the original project.

"This was one of the toughest decisions I have to make," Lozano stated on his social media accounts. Javier Aguirre, a close friend of Mexican federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodríguez, is considered the leading candidate for the position.

The federation indicated that the new head coach might be confirmed by the first week of August. Aguirre, who led Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, previously declined a position to assist Lozano.

Lozano, known for guiding Mexico's Under-23 team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, was named interim coach last year and secured a permanent role after winning the Gold Cup in August 2023.

Under his leadership, Lozano managed only 10 wins out of 21 games. In the Copa América, Mexico secured a narrow victory over Jamaica, lost to Venezuela, and drew with Ecuador, resulting in their elimination from Group B.

Lozano faced criticism for excluding five experienced players, including goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and forwards Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez, from the Copa América squad. He explained his decision was to give others the opportunity to lead.

Despite assurances from federation president Ivar Sisniega that his job was secure, the early exit led to his departure.

(With inputs from agencies.)