Edson Álvarez, the West Ham United midfielder, has opened up about the emotional impact of the incident involving Mexico’s manager, Javier Aguirre, during the international break. Speaking after Mexico’s 4-0 win over Honduras in the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal, Álvarez reflected on the team’s earlier 2-0 defeat in the first leg, which led to an outburst from fans. One supporter threw a beer can that hit Aguirre, causing a serious head injury. This sparked widespread outrage and calls for CONCACAF to take action.
While Aguirre dismissed the incident as part of the game, Álvarez admitted that it affected him deeply, particularly as both Aguirre and he share a Mexican heritage. The midfielder expressed his disappointment with Mexico’s performance in Honduras, saying, “We were very critical of ourselves after that game. It was a poor showing, and we knew we couldn’t let that happen again.”
Acknowledging the challenging environment in San Pedro Sula, Álvarez emphasized that the team had to rise above it and perform for their supporters and families. “We stood up for ourselves and for the people who support us,” he said, noting that, despite the hostile atmosphere, the team had to be smarter and more composed.
Looking ahead, Álvarez recognized the ongoing pressure the team faces, no matter the outcome. “Pressure is always there, even after a win,” he explained. “People will continue to talk about what happened in Honduras. We just have to keep pushing forward and stay focused on improving our performances.”
