Jürgen Klinsmann urges Mexican footballer to step out of their comfort zone and go to Europe
Jürgen Klinsmann, the German coach who has managed both the German national team and the United States, urges Mexican footballers to leave their comfort zone and test themselves in the top European leagues, such as the Bundesliga, as it would directly benefit the Mexican national team, known as the Tri.
"I believe that Mexican players have to challenge themselves more, step out of their comfort zone and try to show that they can compete with the best players in the world. And the best players in the world are in Europe. It's as simple as that. And if it doesn't work out, no problem. Come back home and keep going. No problem," stated the World Cup champion during a press conference at the Bundesliga Common Ground event.
Jürgen Klinsmann reiterated that Mexican footballers should try their luck in the European leagues and, if they don't find regularity, return to the Liga MX without seeing it as a problem, as they will continue with the development of their careers.
"I think it should be a motivation for every player who goes through their own league to have this goal in mind and say, 'If I can achieve it in the Liga MX, I will achieve it. Maybe have the opportunity to be seen and go to one of the best leagues in Europe and prove my worth in Europe. If I do well, I stay there like Pavel Pardo and others, and if not, I can always come back home.' No problem. I told the American players that if it doesn't work out in Europe, come back home and play in MLS," he said.
The German, who revealed that he closely follows the Liga MX, even taking advantage of the proximity to travel to Tijuana and watch Mexican football matches, used the example of what has happened with the United States, which has exported young players to Europe.
"I always had these arguments and discussions with people because I told them that if they want to take it to the next level when they are already really good in their own country, they have to go to Europe and test themselves. Prove yourself. And I think many American players took this message and tried it, many of them very early on. Like Christian Pulisic at 16 or Giovanni Reyna at 16, and (Weston) McKennie and Tyler Adams, and then they fought and now they play for very good teams in Europe, and that helps the national team in the end because you always mix the national team with the home-based players like Liga MX or in the American situation in the MLS, and you get a healthy mix for both sides," he concluded.