World Cup qual - Eriksson sacked by Mexico

Eurosport - Fri, 03 Apr 22:48:00 2009

Mexico have sacked coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, less than 24 hours after his team lost 3-1 to Honduras in a World Cup qualifier.

2009 Mexico Sven-Goran Eriksson - 0

"This morning we talked to Mr Eriksson and announced his departure," Mexican Football Federation president Justino Compean said.

"It's a fact results have not been what we expected."

Eriksson took over in June from Hugo Sanchez, who was sacked after 16 months in the job.

Wednesday's defeat in San Pedro Sula left Mexico fourth in the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with three points from three games, below leaders United States (seven points), Costa Rica (six) and Honduras (four).

The Swede's position has been the subject of frequent speculation after several away defeats including two World Cup reverses in Honduras and one in Jamaica.

Under his leadership Mexico played five competitive away games, losing four and drawing one in Canada.

"Results away from home have to be better, I'm responsible," Eriksson said. "I have to accept this without making a drama out of it."

The former England coach's overall record with Mexico, including friendlies, was six wins, one draw and six defeats.

Eriksson took charge with the team already involved in World Cup qualifying.

Critics warned he would have little time to learn about the idiosyncracies of Mexican football and the difficult playing conditions in Central America and the Caribbean.

The team won their first three qualifiers, all at home, but were nearly eliminated after losing in Jamaica and Honduras and drawing in Canada.

Mexico squeezed into the final stage on goal difference and then lost 2-0 to United States in February.

Saturday's 2-0 win over Costa Rica gave Eriksson respite but defeat on Wednesday was the final straw.

He had also been underfire for the number of naturalised players he picked, including Argentine-born Matias Vuoso, Lucas Ayala and Guillermo Franco and Brazilian-born Antonio Naelson and Leandro Augusto.

The former Lazio, Roma, Sampdoria, Benfica and Manchester City coach replied he was merely following the rules.

Eriksson also found that many of Mexico's European-based professionals were short of match practice with their clubs because of loss of form or injuries.

Former Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre has been tipped by Mexican media as the favourite to take over.

The team's next World Cup qualifier is in El Salvador on June 6.

Reuters

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  1. That is an awful record 4 defeats and a draw... ouch­ Sven. I reckon he'll be back in the premiership­ sooner than we all expected.

    From , on Thu 2 Apr 10:48PM

  2. donneysbeck..........lol

    From Nicholas, on Thu 2 Apr 10:48PM

  3. Sven-Goran Eriksson really hasn't cut the Mustard­ since leaving England !!! The main question is­ "Was he really just lucky with the Players at his­ disposal when he was there + unlucky with those he had­ in Mexico ???" As the last Manager of Mexico was­ sacked, after 18 months because of poor performances,­ is it not a fact that they are not really a very good­ squad.

    From Graham, on Thu 2 Apr 10:37PM

  4. Sven will end up taking over from Shearer after 8­ (Eight) games :-)

    From art_tidesco, on Thu 2 Apr 10:14PM

  5. Sven should return to England. He did a much better­ job as Manager than the useless 'Sparky' whilst­ at Manchester City football club. Also, Ulrika Johnson­ is here!

    From Tom..., on Thu 2 Apr 10:09PM

  6. he will govern chelsea next season

    From slinton1, on Thu 2 Apr 10:06PM

  7. The mexicans saw through him faster than England did!!!

    From Shottaway, on Thu 2 Apr 10:06PM

  8. sven proves once again what an influential motivator he­ is!!

    From Dave C, on Thu 2 Apr 10:04PM

  9. doh! newcastle should have waited before appointing­ Alan Shearer

    From alihatefi, on Thu 2 Apr 9:52PM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Because he is on his way to Sunderland.

    Na na na na na­ na na na na na na Sven.

    From stevetoulson, on Thu 2 Apr 9:46PM

  11. At the end of the say, Mexico is another one of those­ 2nd rate Hispanic national sides who won't win­ anything whilst they are walking on mother earth. Sven­ Goran Eriksson is just a one trick donkey and shall­ never make any mark on anything except the overinflated­ paychecks he deposits in the bank. Deep down, he­ doesn't give a shiney @#$% anyway.

    From sappercommando25, on Thu 2 Apr 9:26PM

  12. fk

    From richard.wadsworth1, on Thu 2 Apr 9:23PM
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