'Defeating Hong Myung-bo's team → Resign with dignity': Mexican coach never blamed others, saying "Win is due to players; loss is the manager's fault"

*This content was translated by AI.

The manager who knelt in defeat against England at the home of football took full responsibility for all losses and resigned. This stands in sharp contrast to South Korea's national team coach Hong Myung-bo, who displayed an irresponsible attitude after the tournament concluded.

On the 7th (Korean time), the Mexican edition of Spanish media outlet 'Marca' reported that "Coach Javier Aguirre, whose team ended their campaign with a 2-3 loss to England in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers, has resigned." The report added that "the Mexican national team is immediately entering a new era under the leadership of Rafah Marquez, the senior coach."

Mexico boasted an unbeaten defensive record from the group stage through to the Round of 16, conceding zero goals. However, they ultimately fell short in the Round of 16 due to a combination of factors including match delays caused by severe weather, video assistant referee (VAR) decisions, and red card incidents. After conceding two goals to Jude Bellingham, Mexico had to settle for a draw despite gaining a numerical advantage following Zarell Quansah's dismissal, as Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez scored late goals.

Notably, Mexico defeated the South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, 1-0 during the group stage of this tournament, delivering the decisive blow that sealed Korea's elimination.

The two managers' departures could not have been more different. Coach Hong's team suffered consecutive losses to Mexico and South Africa, enduring the humiliation of early exit from the group stage. Following this, Coach Hong consistently avoided responsibility and offered excuses throughout his resignation process.

In contrast, Coach Aguirre shouldered the full weight of defeat during his post-match press conference, sincerely apologizing to his players and bowing his head. According to 'Marca', Coach Aguirre stated, "The players win matches; the manager loses them. Today, I lost." He took complete responsibility for the loss. Without lingering regrets over failing to reach the quarterfinals in a World Cup held on home soil, he acknowledged the failure cleanly and stepped down gracefully.

Coach Aguirre's resignation was part of a plan prepared well before the tournament began. The Mexican Football Federation had already decided that senior coach Marquez would succeed him as the next head coach following the conclusion of this World Cup.

Furthermore, Coach Aguirre sent heartfelt blessings and support to Coach Marquez, who will take over his role. "He is a very valuable person and an excellent manager. He will do even better than I did," Aguirre said. "Mexico has a manager ready to lead for the next four years and talented players. The country possesses all the elements needed to take that final step toward reaching heights it has not yet achieved."

Demonstrating the dignity of a master, Coach Aguirre chose an elegant farewell with the Mexican national team and plans to continue his coaching career on other stages in the future. Although he stopped at the quarterfinal threshold—a milestone Mexico has not reached since 1986—he confirmed the nation's football strength through thrilling matches like the one against England.

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*This content was translated by AI.