Juan Carlos Osorio to continue as manager of Mexican national team

Juan Carlos Osorio

Juan Carlos Osorio will continue as Mexico head coach, the Mexican federation announced on Thursday.


Osorio’s job status had come into question after Mexico lost 7-0 to Chile in the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario last week.


The former Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls manager was hired as Mexico manager last October, and was 9-0-1 in his 10 matches in charge of El Tri prior to the debacle against Chile.


"Dismantling everything would be an error, which is why we've decide to continue with the project," FMF general secretary Guillermo Cantu told media on Thursday in a press conference announcing that Osorio would remain in his post. “If we trust in the methodology of a person [Osorio], it is because those of us on the inside have seen it."


Osorio has been criticized for his heavy squad rotation at the Copa America. He used three different formations in Mexico’s three group stage matches, and started a variety of players at every position during El Tri’s run at the tournament.


"The results at this Copa America were a failure, but the project is Russia 2018," said Cantu. "In order to strengthen, we have to trust in the team, with its leader Juan Carlos Osorio."


Mexico have already clinched Group A in the fourth-round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, securing their spot in the Hexagonal.