Dear Tata Martino, you are in hot water right now. As Mexicans like to say, “estás en la cuerda floja”. Your job is in danger after a snowball of bad events piled up in front of you. This snowball was first created after Mexico lost to the USMNT in the CONCACAF Nations League final. This small conflict grew into a bigger one after losing to the U.S.’s B team in the Gold Cup final.
Through controversial call-ups and embarrassing results in the WCQs, Tata Martino is close to packing his bags back to Argentina. This is a possible reality as many media outlets claim that Tata Martino could be sacked if they fail to beat Panama this Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Martino could keep his job for another month if they beat ‘los canaleros’ and get a 4-point difference over them. Although many Mexican fans (if not all of them) want Tata Martino out, I’m proposing how he could keep your job.
Tata Martino, if you want to keep your job, here’s how you should line up tomorrow.
Formation (4-3-3)
One thing that I would suggest is a change in the formation. Although Tata Martino plays with a 4-3-3, I would switch to a more offensive approach. Unlike Martino, I would go with two CMs and an attacking midfielder.
Mexico is missing that offensive punch to put their opposing team’s defense to work. With how Martino plays (1 CDM and 2 CMs), there isn’t a player with that urge to attack. If there’s not an attacking-minded midfielder, how could you create plays for your front 3?
Additionally,
Switch Of Goalkeeper
This one will be a bit controversial, but I’m suggesting that there should be a change in the goal. I’m suggesting that Memo Ochoa should be replaced by Rodolfo Cota. Although Ochoa hasn’t necessarily played bad this round of qualifiers, but he hasn’t been great. In fact, he’s been dropping in form for the last 1-2 years. Another thing has to be said is that Ochoa’s weaknesses are coming out and knowing how play his area.
Rodolfo Cota is a player who, despite his age, is one of the best goalkeepers in the Liga MX. In addition to his reflexes, Cota is goalkeeper who knows how to come out and play in his area. He also knows how to play with his feet, which could be a stress reliever in tight situations.
Cota could offer more assurance to the back line, who struggle in set pieces. With a goalkeeper that isn’t afraid to come out and cut off plays, the defenders could loosen up a bit.
The ‘Back Four’
This one is a no-brainer, Mexico needs a change in the back line. The backline I’m suggesting against Panama is: Gerardo Arteaga (LB), Johan Vasquez (CB), Cesar Montes (CB), and Julian Araujo (RB).
It’s inexplicable how only Montes has started in the last two games. Jesus Gallardo and Chaka Rodriguez are nowhere near their prime, but still start over Arteaga and Julian. And for some reason, Johan Vasquez is Hector Moreno’s back-up.
Tata, if you want keep your job, start the four defenders in their best form. Start Gerardo Arteaga (LB), who’s the Mexican with the most minutes playing in Europe this season. Start the center back duo, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, who won the bronze medal in the Olympics. Start Julian Araujo (RB), who was arguably the best player in the friendly versus Chile in December. The centerback pairing will offer stability in aerial plays, and the fullbacks will offer more both in the defense is in the attack.
CEG Trio In The Midfield
After seeing these past few games, it is clear that there needs to be a change in the midfield. Age is getting to Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera is not playing at all in Atletico Madrid. Their conditions stop Edson Alvarez from flourishing in the midfield.
My proposal is to have the midfield trio: Edson Alvarez, Erick Gutierrez, and Charly Rodriguez. Edson and ‘Gutti’ should play as two CMs and Charly as the CAM. Both Edson and Gutti are consistent starters in the Eredivisie with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven respectively. So why not start the most consistent midfielders playing in Europe.
Additionally, Charly Rodriguez has started off really well with Cruz Azul as he’s on a mission to go to Europe. In Cruz Azul, he’s played a position where he can move around freely in the midfield. If you give a creative player like Charly the liberty in the attack, he will be that leader in the attack.
Bye Bye Funes Mori
Although Mexico’s midfield hasn’t produced many offensive plays, Funes Mori hasn’t taken advantage of the opportunities given. The Argentine-Mexican striker has only scored 5 goals in 14 games. He just isn’t the striker he was a couple of years ago. Now that Raul Jimenez is good to go, he should be given the number 9 spot.
The front three in the attack should be: Alexis Vega (RW/LW), Raul Jimenez (ST), and Chucky Lozano (LW/RW). Alexis Vega was the best player in the game against Jamaica, and was doing more in the last 15 minutes than Funes Mori and Tecatito against Costa Rica. Vega is in form, so take advantage of that. Hirving Lozano should start as he’s a very dangerous player, regardless of his form. His individual talent can change the game if necessary.
And lastly, the Wolves striker should start if he’s 100% healthy. If he isn’t really to start, swap him for Tecatito and put Vega as the 9. Vega has played the 9 before and can play it better than Funes Mori and Henry Martin.
These three in the attack have unique individualities that set them apart from the rest of the players. They are players with game-changing abilities, which is what Mexico needs if things don’t go their way.
Final Words To Tata Martino
Tata, here’s the key to victory and the key to job security for at least another month. If you don’t take it, you’ll be packing bags Wednesday night.
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