Rafael Marquez Alvarez, known as Rafa Marquez, poses for a photo during his presentation as the new head coach of the Mexican men’s national team at the High-Performance Center (CAR) of the Mexican Football Federation in Mexico City, on September 10, 2026. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP)
Mexico: The new manager of the Mexico national team Rafael Marquez said on Thursday that he seeks to instill discipline, deep sense of identity, commitment in the team he is hoping to build.
Marquez will take charge of the national team for the first time in friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile in late September and early October. All games will be played in the United States.
Rafael Marquez Alvarez, known as Rafa Marquez, speaks during his presentation as the new head coach of the Mexican men’s national team at the High-Performance Center (CAR) of the Mexican Football Federation in Mexico City, on September 10, 2026. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP)
"Establishing and strengthening the identity of this team, that is the goal - for everyone to identify with their national team," said Marquez, who replaced Javier Aguirre in July.
"I will look for players with willingness, who know they must put in their best effort to come to the national team, in the same way that Javier did. That is essential to generate more competition."
Marquez has never managed at senior professional level. He served as Aguirre's assistant for two years and previously managed Barcelona B-team.
The 47-year-old praised the work of Aguirre, who guided Mexico to four wins from its first four games at this year's FIFA World Cup before it fell to England in the round of 16.
"What we went through during the World Cup was important," he said. "I am very excited about this responsibility. I am extremely grateful to Javier because he opened the doors of his coaching staff for me."
He added "I won't be working from scratch. There is continuity and a solid base, I know the environment, and I have surrounded myself with experienced, highly capable people who have competed at a very high level."
