There seems to have been an actual development when it comes to the new makeup of Mexico’s national team structure. Rumors now indicate that Rodrigo Ares de Parga is set to take over as the president of operations at the Mexican national team. His position would be more of an administrative one with Jaime Ordiales staying on as essentially the sporting director. Who is this man, and why is this perhaps terrible news?
In the world of Mexican soccer Rodrigo Ares de Parga seemingly came out of nowhere. In the sense that he wasn’t someone who was connected to the game until he assumed the presidency of Pumas midway through the 2010s. He was a very public president of Pumas during his tenure, but that doesn’t mean that his tenure was necessarily any good! He currently presides over Queretaro. Taking over for Adolfo Rios after the massive brawl at La Corregidora. Since that moment the team has been literally the worst team in Liga MX!
Sexual Misconduct & Poor Treatment Of Injured Players In His Wake
As is typically the case with Mexico they end up bringing along people who no one asked for! In the previous administrations they did this with head coaches. Juan Carlos Osorio was a complete unknown and not a coach any of the fans wanted for Mexico. Even though he had coached in Liga MX. Martino was a bit more high profile, but it wasn’t like people were rejoicing over his hire. In any case now these seemingly poor decisions have extended to the front office positions.
While at Pumas Ares de Parga was tied up in a sexual misconduct scandal within the organization. It’s important to point out that he was not the one accused of sexual misconduct. However, it was speculated that several incidents took place regarding certain youth team players. That he as team president was instrumental is sweeping everything under the rug. The story faded into obscurity, but it was one of the main reasons why he was ultimately axed at Pumas.
Another of the Ares de Parga mismanagements at Pumas had to do with player injuries. Former Pumas defender Toño Garcia had an injury managed so poorly by Pumas doctors that he ended up in a wheelchair for years! Again while Ares de Parga was not the doctor administering treatment his administration was blamed for ousting the player from the club in that unfortunate position. Ultimately the former player sued the club, and they’ve been caught in a legal battle ever since.
As if that wasn’t enough the man who’ll be tasked with working alongside Ares de Parga Jaime Ordiales is seemingly disliked by all of his former colleagues. Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona publicly thanked the Mexican National team for hiring him away from Cruz Azul!
Almada Is Now The FrontRunner To Take Over As Head Coach
In the middle of this entire circus that seems to be the Mexican National team there might be a silver lining. That is the fact that Memo Almada could be called up to be the team’s new head coach. With the pairing that we just talked about in management it just seems highly unlikely that someone like Jaime Lozano would want to get involved. Thinking about Bielsa or any of the other foreign managers that have been thrown into the ring seems rather unrealistic.
Looking at Almada’s current situation with Pachuca he may be desperate enough to want to get out. The team is seemingly getting rid of all its top players. Making it virtually impossible for him to mimic his recent success with the squad. Even if he’s not necessarily acquainted with Ordiales or Ares de Parga, if he’s offered the job he’ll probably take it. Whereas other managers that have been around the block in Liga MX may want to stay away from Ordiales and Ares de Parga who are both sort of persona non grata in certain circles.
