I prefer to see them descend

It’s been a tough weekend for a couple of Mexican soccer players. César Montes and Guillermo Ochoa saw their teams in Europe relegated, and although these two specific teams (Salernitana and Almería) seemed doomed from mid-season, it’s still a heavy blow to any footballer’s career.

They feel the impact, but in reality, the responsibility isn’t entirely theirs. There’s a hard truth to accept, but it is what it is, and all that’s left is to acknowledge it. Mexican players aren’t highly sought after by top teams in European leagues. With a few exceptions, Mexican players aiming for the European elite have no choice but to face overwhelming odds. This is mainly why there are so many Mexican players experiencing relegation. Besides Guillermo Ochoa and César Montes, there’s also Johan Vásquez, who, although currently distant from that situation, experienced relegation in his first two seasons.

“Today, the former Pumas footballer has finally found consistency, and his club has backed him with moderately positive results, allowing him to renew his contract and possibly open up some options at bigger-name clubs this summer.

Going to Europe is for the brave. It’s for the brave because in Mexican football, these same players have everything. From family comforts to contracts far exceeding what is paid in the Old Continent. To not go far, in Liga MX there is no relegation, and with that alone, there’s enough stability and security above any other league.

Going to Europe is for the brave because they aren’t adequately prepared here to compete at the highest level. Even if it’s a player who’s excelling in the local league, stepping out of the comfort zone entails encountering situations never experienced before upon arrival there.”

I’ve had the opportunity to chat with several players who, upon making the leap to Europe, have felt like they’re playing a different sport. The physical, mental, and professional aspects are things that aren’t taught at that level here, so the question is: Who is responsible? The player? Or the environment that doesn’t shape and develop players who can compete at the top level? Surely, the blame is shared, but with a specific weight on what happens in our country.

Then there are other complications like the European passport, where Mexico is at a disadvantage compared to other countries like Argentina or Brazil, where many of their footballers have dual nationality. But that’s a debate for another time.

The headline of this column says ‘I prefer to see them descend,’ and for me, it’s worth appreciating that Mexican footballers take that risk, and don’t decide to stay in their comfort zone like 80% of the players who have the opportunity to leave the local market.

Today, reading criticism of Guillermo Ochoa for his third relegation seems totally ridiculous to me. We’re talking about the only Mexican goalkeeper who has consistently played in Europe. And not only that, but a goalkeeper who, without a passport, managed to play in the leagues of Spain, France, and Italy. Really? In so many years of football, no other goalkeeper has had the level to go to Europe? It’s something to reflect on.

It’s a matter of perspective, and everyone will have their own way of analyzing and judging each player’s career. We can mention that, despite being able to stay in America, earning VERY well, or even going to MLS to earn MUCH better, and forget about the heavy defeats, Paco Memo decided to face the best in the world once again.

He knew the price he had to pay and was willing to take the risk of another relegation, with all that it would bring him.

May there be more who dare. May there be more who descend. There’s an Andrés Guardado out there who also suffered relegation and years later left Europe as a true legend of Spanish football.