Aguirre dismisses talk of Tri job, Pekerman set to replace Lapuente

• by Soccer America , Feb 24, 2009

[MEXICO] Manuel Lapuente joined fellow former Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre in the unemployment ranks when he was dismissed as Tigres coach Sunday. Meanwhile, Aguirre, fired as Atletico Madrid coach earlier this month, dismissed speculation that he'll be replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson as the Tri coach.

Lapuente became the fourth coach to get the boot since the start of the Clausura 2009 season after Tigres fell to Club America, 3-2. Assistant coach Carlos Munoz was named interim basis, but Argentine Jose Pekerman arrived in Monterrey Monday night to discuss with Tigres officials the head coaching job.

Aguirre, who coached Mexico at the 2002 World Cup supported Eriksson, whose future has been the subject of speculation after a 2-0 loss to the United States in the opening game of the Hexagonal extended Mexico's winless streak in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying zone to four games.

"The national team must have our support," he said. "They are well coached and I only wish them well in qualification. My future is still there [in Europe]. I am only on vacation and waiting for an offer, but there is nothing with the Mexico national team beyond my best wishes. I think the team is in good hands."