The coach of the Águilas del América Fernando Ortíz criticized his compatriot Gerardo Martino, Mexico coach, on Friday, defending his soccer player Alejandro Zendejas that the Tri strategist described “almost extortion” that Zendejas attended a called only if they assure you of going to the Qatar World Cup 2022.
“You have to be careful with the words you use when communicating, be it the coach of the national team or any institution. Communication is not easy, but you have to measure your words“explained the former Boca Juniors footballer.
In an interview for TUDN Martino stated that Zendejas did not want to sign a document to make a change of federation after the Mexican winger played for the first time for a national team in the lower categories of the United States.
“The player had to sign a document and he didn’t want to. There is no need to overthink things. If the demand is whether or not he is going to go to the World Cup, in no way do I want a player who thinks that way. It’s almost an extortion,” Martino pointed out.
Although Zendejas has not yet signed any papers, the native of the Ciudad Juárez border played for Mexico in the friendly matches against Ecuador, in October , and against Guatemala, last April; both duels were not on a FIFA date.
Reports from the local press indicate that the Mexican Football Federation demanded that Zendejas not sign the document to commit to only represent Mexico, he will not return to be summoned to the Tri.
The absence of Zendejas in the call for the friendly match last Wednesday in which Mexico fell 0-1 against Paraguay generated criticism from the fans who see him, for the good time he is having with the Eagles, as one of the substitutes for Jesús ‘Tecatito’ Corona after his serious injury..
Corona will have a recovery of several months that puts him in doubt to go to Qatar 2022.
“As a coach I told him what I thought as player and coach, then Alejandro will have to answer this question (why he didn’t sign). He is fine, he knows the difference and he is calm, which is the most important thing”, Ortíz sentenced.