Antonio Mohamed Gets Off the Ship of the Mexican National Team
El Turco revealed that he was contacted in 2023 to coach Mexico. But on that occasion they opted for Diego Cocca. Mohamed believes his time has passed
Antonio Mohamed is a respected coach in Mexican soccer. El "Turco" has had very good processes in Liga MX. On several occasions, the Argentine strategist has caught the attention of Mexican national team officials to lead a period within El Tri, but Mohamed believes his time has passed.
El Turco" believes the ideal time to have taken the reins of the Mexican national team was after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After the departure of Gerardo Martino, Mohamed was a candidate. However, the federation reportedly didn't take his candidacy very seriously. The main target was Diego Cocca.
"I think my time has passed. For me, it was when (Diego) Cocca was there; for me, that was my time. I had talks with everyone, two Zoom calls. I felt it was a formality, a commitment," Mohamed told ESPN.
Antonio Mohamed emphasized that his candidacy was not treated seriously. The approaches from federation officials did not show anything concrete. These attitudes showed "Turco" that he was not the first option and that Diego Cocca was getting closer to leaving the Tigres de la UANL and taking the reins of El Tri.
"The first talk seemed interesting to me, the second talk nothing. That was it (they had already chosen Cocca). I would put together a base of 15 players, always work on it and from there look for those who are in the best form and change them," he added.
At the top of Mexico
In December 2024, Antonio Mohamed embarked on a new process. The Argentine strategist took over as coach of the Diablos Rojos del Toluca. "Turco" showed that he can still win titles within the Liga MX.
In the 2025 Clausura, Antonio Mohamed and his players did something very meritorious. The Toluca Red Devils won the 2025 Clausura. This was a title that could have ended the Aguilas del America's streak. The Azulcremas had won three consecutive titles. Mohamed has been in charge of Toluca in 34 matches.During that number of matches, the Argentine has managed to achieve 21 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses. In the 2025 Apertura, the Diablos Rojos del Toluca remain in a direct qualification spot for the next phase of the tournament.