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Alex Diego, coach of the Mexico U-20 team, and Eduardo Arce, U-23 coach, expressed confidence this Monday that the absence of Gilberto Mora from the country's youth squads will not affect their respective performances in the Concacaf Olympic Qualifiers and the Central American Games.
“Gil was dealing with an injury that required a lot of care before the World Cup, and in the end, it was decided that his development path was with the senior national team. He had a very good World Cup and has a spectacular future that we must protect,” stated Diego regarding Mora, who at 17 is considered the greatest gem of Mexican soccer.
Alex Diego is busy preparing the Mexican U-20 national team, which will seek a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the U-20 World Cup during the qualifying tournament to be held in Mexico from July 24 to August 9.
“It’s not about blocking progress, but understanding that players are not robots; they are people who have injuries and must have rest, they aren't machines. Gil comes from a series of processes where he played with the U-17s, the U-18s, played the World Cup with the senior team, and the body suddenly says 'slow down a bit' so that you can continue in your best form and have the best performance,” the coach pointed out.
Despite Mora's absence, Alex Diego accepted that Mexico is the heavy favorite to qualify for both the Olympics and the U-20 World Cup.
“Pressure is handled differently; we have great excitement and commitment. We are very excited about the opportunity ahead for these players to put themselves in the eyes of the world. We have a great desire to secure the tickets to the Olympic Games and the World Cup,” he emphasized.
An opinion echoed by Eduardo Arce.
“We never thought of Gil for the Central American Games; had he been considered, we would have sent him to the U-20s for the qualifying tournament. Gil needs to focus on his team, rest, and continue his progression in the senior national team,” Arce stressed regarding the young midfielder from the local league’s Tijuana.
Like Diego, Arce dismissed the idea that Gilberto Mora’s absence changes the status of the Mexican national team, which is the favorite to win gold in the 2026 Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games, where they will debut on July 30.
“We are missing some names, but regardless, the players we have are more than prepared. Those who have been called up are in very good shape. There is always an obligation because, at this level, Mexico always stands out,” concluded Arce. EFE
[Publicidad]