Goal takes a look at what El Tri fans can expect from the new year, plus makes a few predictions about both the national team and Liga MX
Kevin C. CoxTata Martino arrives
It's not exactly a closely guarded secret, but Mexico should hire a men's national team coach early in the year. It should be Gerardo "Tata" Martino.
Fresh off winning MLS Cup with Atlanta United after just two seasons, the Argentine will come to Mexico looking for a new challenge. He'll find it but also will be tasked with thinking long-term as El Tri looks to compete for the 2026 World Cup which will begin on home soil in addition to the 2022 tournament that is approaching more quickly.
AdvertisementHector VivasEl Tri returns to Gold Cup final
Mexico won the 2015 Gold Cup final but missed out on the final altogether in 2017, with an alternate team falling short against Jamaica in the semifinals.
This year will see El Tri's A-team return to the competition, with Mexico taking part in this summer's Gold Cup but not the Copa America. With all attention on its own region, Mexico should be able to return to the final where the United States may be waiting by design – though Costa Rica or another upset-minded team could once again complicate things.
Getty ImagesLozano makes his move
Hirving Lozano was expected to move on from PSV after just one season but stayed put despite his standout showings at the World Cup. This winter, his name once again is being linked to huge clubs like Chelsea and Milan.
El Tri fans may find his name in the transfer rumor sections yet again in the summer, with the Dutch champion not under an obligation to sell for anything less than what it wants for the 23-year-old winger. But whether it's in January or after the Gold Cup, look for 2019 to be the year Lozano takes yet another jump and joins one of the world's largest clubs.
GettyThis year is 'el bueno' for Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul hasn't won the league since 1997, and the Apertura runners-up have gotten close to winning before only to fall off the next season (it's happened six times since the last title). This prediction could look very silly in 2020. Yet, there's a reason La Maquina could final roll to a title.
Rather than be content with the same team that topped the regular-season table and made it to the final, the club is making more alterations. Former Chivas midifleder Orbelin Pineda and ex-Santos Laguna forward Jonathan Rodriguez continue with sporting director Ricardo Pelaez's strategy of spending for players with proven Liga MX track records. It should pay off either in the upcoming Clausura or in the following Apertura.