MENDOZA, Argentina -- Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti's spell in charge of the Mexican national team ended with a 2-0 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday, which makes it five out of six losses, but the current Tigres coach is happy he has bought the Mexican federation time to look for a new coach.
"It would've been premature to choose [a coach] immediately [after Juan Carlos Osorio left] and with my presence they've had the required time to choose the one that will surely take the Mexican national team to the next World Cup," said Ferretti in the post-game news conference.
Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala got the goals for Argentina in a fairly comfortable victory and although Ferretti believes he stepped in when required to help out the federation, he's not delighted at how it has gone.
"The results obtained aren't very agreeable, but we have to analyze so that the next coach can take advantage of these six games that were played," added Ferretti. "There is an interesting group of players and which of the experienced ones will be taken to the 2022 World Cup will have to be decided on."
Ferretti stressed that one of the differences between Mexico and Argentina is the international experience the home side possesses and that future El Tri players need to improve.
"The problem that our players have is that we need more challenges at international level," he stated. "In all periods of the national team we always mentioned the same that we have a good group of players, but we get stuck in the same place. There are good players, but to achieve what we want, the level has to improve a lot more."
Gerardo "Tata" Martino is expected to be named the Mexico coach, but Ferretti wouldn't get drawn into giving an opinion, instead joking that he is "great family man, husband and coach" and emphasizing that the Argentine hasn't yet signed a contract.
The camp in Argentina has been plagued with logistical issues and reports of friction between the FMF and players, with goalkeeper Jesus Corona confirming reports that players hadn't been paid their World Cup bonuses.
"They've been delayed a little, but I fully believe that we will be paid," goalkeeper Jesus Corona told reporters after the game. "They have talked with us and I'm relaxed about it. I know there have been some administrative problems, but I don't have a problem."
Chivas striker Alan Pulido, who confirmed that he has interest from Monterrey back home, and said was bitterly disappointed with Mexico's performance on Tuesday.
"These types of games allow you to gauge where you are at and the experience needed against a team like Argentina, which has all its players in Europe and can put out two national teams. We can't, but these games are useful for experience," said Pulido.
"We fell a long way short because this is not the level of the players right now in the national team," he continued, adding later: "It's urgent that the head coach is announced to know what the idea will be and for us to adapt to get better and to be taken into consideration."