One of the most emblematic figures in football management has reappeared to talk about the Mexican national team. Arsne Wenger, FIFA’s Director of Football Development and former Arsenal manager, offered his thoughts on the national team.

During a symposium held in the days leading up to the World Cup draw, the French coach was asked about the situation facing the team led by Javier Aguirre.

Mexico could surprise at the World Cup, says Arsene Wenger

Wenger was quick to point out that, in his opinion, the Mexican team has lacked, at least in the past, the mental strength needed to go further in competitions.

“Mexico has a strong football culture, notable technical qualities and perhaps the mental aspect has been the factor that has prevented them from reaching at least the quarter-finals. But you know the subject more thoroughly, since you live with them daily,” he said.

The strategist added that he considers the Mexican national team as a team with the potential to have a outstanding participation, although he said that he sees it more as a sign of progress than as the possibility of becoming the protagonist of the tournament.

“Mexico always qualifies. On this occasion it did not do so in the usual way, but in recent years it has been consistently present. This is a good time for them to make a breakthrough, or rather, to show progress. They could be a pleasant surprise,” he said.

Wenger also claimed that Javier Aguirre deserves his Ballon d’Or nomination, although he avoided going into depth about the current performance of the Tricolor coach. “Yes, of course he deserves it. Short answer,” he said.

It is worth noting that Arsne Wenger was one of the main reasons why Carlos Vela left Chivas’ youth academy to make the leap to European soccer. It was he who made the decision for Arsenal to acquire the Mexican striker. In the end, thanks to this opportunity, Vela managed to develop a career in European soccer, although his best performance would come later with Real Sociedad in Spain.