Exclusive: Former Mexico Goalkeeper Martín Zúñiga Talks About El Tri's Future

Mexican soccer legend and former FMF goalkeeper, Martín “El Pulpo” Zúñiga, won the Verano 1997 tournament with Chivas de Guadalajara and became one of the most reliable Mexican goalkeepers of his time. He is currently an Allstate spokesperson.

Zúñiga discussed Mexico's future in the World Cup qualifier, the importance of the friendly against Nigeria and how the new generation has become an important piece of El Tri.

Karla Villegas Gama: Why has Mexico struggled in this year's Hexagonal?

Martín Zúñiga: It is one of those weird situations that many teams have had, like Germany, Argentina and Brazil; it’s no excuse, though, but it can happen to everyone. The fact is that three draws, two of them at the Azteca—where nobody thought it could happen—has put us in an unthinkable scenario. Everyone thought that by now the team would have seven points, so this gives the friendly against Nigeria a whole new sense because if we had seven points it would be a match where you can try different players and strategies, and also to sort your options. 

KVG: The match against Nigeria should be a good preparation for next week’s qualifiers against Jamaica and Costa Rica?

MZ: This is a tough team. Nigeria has great players, like Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel. These are the kind of footballers that shine but you have to remember that they have teammates that help them achieve all they do on the pitch. Nigeria is a very tough competitor. This is a friendly, yes, but no one likes to lose. This can be a taste of what we can expect from Jamaica, speaking in terms of physical effort.

KVG: What would it mean for El Tri to win this friendly?

MZ: Defeating Nigeria would help to release pressure. Yes, this is a very complicated match but the players have all sorts of emotions right now—coming from bad results against Jamaica, Honduras and USA—and they will play an important role in the game. The team had been doing a great job and all of a sudden it’s not working anymore. Mexico has to win but it has to do it in style.

KVG: Who should be the starting goalkeeper?

MZ: I think the coach has to trust the goalkeeper and give him continuity. I have nothing against (Guillermo) Ochoa, but at first I thought (José de Jesús) Corona should have kept the spot. He had had great performances throughout the qualifier and in the local league. Now that the coach has given Ochoa a chance, because he has had stellar games in France, the most rational thing to do is to keep him as the starter. The keeper must feel good because he needs precision and the only way to have it is by playing on a regular basis. It is a key position and it should have little or no changes at all.

KVG: Do you think José Manuel de la Torre’s strategy needs some tweaks?

MZ:The team has to go back to the basics. The players have done an OK job so far and the strategy has been good overall. It is true they have had so-so results, but collectively they have proven to be a first class team. They must remember all the good stuff they have accomplished since "Chepo" took over and they will win. My prediction is 2-1 Mexico.

KVG: How important it is for Mexico to have a game like this in the United States?

MZ: It is like playing at home. I dare to say that in the toughest moments, when the team has been booed in other venues, in the States people cheer them up. El Tri has the responsibility to win and to show a better game.

KVG: What are your thoughts on the Mexican youngsters?

MZ: This is one of the best generations we have had, mainly because they have played in Europe and that is something very important. The fact that we have footballers overseas is helping the youngsters in Mexico to realize that there’s a chance to actually do it. If you ask any kid in the youth systems in the country where they would like to play, the answer you will get is Europe. That is very good.

KVG: This generation has a different mindset; what triggered it?

MZ: The results have set the pace. I’m not just talking about what "Chicharito" (Hernández), Giovani (dos Santos), (Carlos) Vela or (Andrés) Guardado have done. It has to do with the youth systems and with the national U-17 and U-23 squads as well. These players compete against Spain, Germany and several others, in their ground, so that gives them another perspective, they know them from friendly games so when they get to official matches they know what to expect, they are prepared. 

KVG: Why are the youngsters better prepared now than a decade before?

MZ: Because we see that there is understanding between the coaches. Back in the day you had one manager for each under age team and they had nothing to do with the senior team boss. There was no follow-up or interest. Nowadays, those in charge of the U-20 and U-17 are very close to (José Manuel) "Chepo" de la Torre, this leads to better communication and knowledge. Every Mexico team trains in the same place, which gives de la Torre a chance to have a closer look of the youngsters. We have synergy and cooperation from everybody.

Follow @karlitsv