Mexico’s former Barcelona coach speaks on ‘strong rival’ Super Eagles

Former FC Barcelona coach described the Super Eagles as a strong rival and said they will work hard to prepare and help their star attacker Raul Jimenez

Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has said the Super Eagles will give them a tough test as they begin their strategisation for the 2022 World Cup.

The Argentine coach managed Barcelona for one year and the Argentine national between 2014 and 2016.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Nigerian game, he said they need to improve the game plan and structure the team’s dynamism and intensity.

He intimated the Super Eagles will face a strong Mexican presence in Dallas, as the team has felt comfortable there. More than 36% of Hispanics in Dallas are from Mexico.

“Knowing that we have a place outside of Mexico where we feel at home, with training facilities, and people who are willing to help makes us feel comfortable in every way. This is seen with our renewal with the city of Dallas,” he said.

“There’s a competition between our strikers. Today we have Jimenez, which is our forward, and we need to help him recover his best version.

“We need to recover our game level, we will not always get the chance to play with similar rivals. There are some we wish for, but Nigeria is also a strong rival.”