Former Mexican National Team Coach Miguel Herrera is introduced with New Team

By Francisco Romero

The colorful head coach Miguel Herrera was introduced Tuesday as the new head coach of Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles.

Herrera was fired as “El Tri’s” head coach in late July after he allegedly attacked a reporter at the airport in Philadelphia. It was just two days after the energetic coach led his team to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Herrera talked to the press alongside Xoloitzcuintles President Jorgealberto Hank Inzuza and General Manager Igancio Palou.

“We are here to be champions,” said the new head coach. “Our idea is to come into Tijuana to become champions. And to be champions, we can’t just sneak into the playoffs. We have to have a strong presence. We want to be fighting at the top of the table,” added Herrera.

The Xoloitzcuintles were founded in 2007 and it took them very little time to obtain a championship. The team became champion in the Apertura 2010 championship.

Herrera talked about taking the team back to the top, “We want for this team to once again fight in the top spots of the league table, for this team to be one of the main teams in the season and of course a title contender. That is our idea. That is what we come in here ready to work for. We want to add more stars to the shield, that is our objective and that is what we are committed to.”

Herrera led Mexico to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil; he was also a member of the Mexican National Team as a player from 1993-1994.

Herrera has also been a head coach with Atlante, Monterrey, Veracruz and Club America.

Herrera will start with his new club with three preseason matches to be played December 14 and 20 with opponents to be determined.

The Xoloitzcuintles will close preseason action with a friendly against Monarcas Morelia Jan. 3 in San Jose, California.