LOS ANGELES — Mexico arrive at the end of their October international window with a result to repair and a new managerial project still searching for rhythm. Germán Berterame has urged calm around Rafael Márquez’s early work with El Tri, arguing that the squad have already shown encouraging elements despite the limited time available to the new coaching staff.
The forward said the players understand that Márquez’s tenure is only beginning, with international camps offering short periods in which to translate training-ground ideas onto the pitch. “We know it is a process,” Berterame said. “We are trying to show what we have been working on, even with the little time Rafa has when we come together, and to demonstrate that work to him.”
The appeal for patience follows Mexico’s 3-0 defeat to the United States, the first loss of Márquez’s new era. Before that setback, Mexico had drawn 1-1 with Colombia and 1-1 against Peru, leaving the side without a win from their opening three matches under the new staff.
Berterame did not hide the impact of the loss to their regional rivals. He described it as a painful and heavy blow, insisting Mexico believed they were capable of more, but said the group must move on quickly with another opportunity immediately ahead.
A final October test in Los Angeles
Mexico face Chile at the Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday, 6 October, in what will be their fourth friendly of the new cycle and their final fixture of this FIFA window. For Márquez, the occasion offers another chance to turn fragments of promise into a more complete performance before the players disperse back to their clubs.
Berterame also addressed the lack of goals from Mexico’s central forwards during the opening matches. He said there is a natural desire among the three strikers to score, though he stressed that their responsibilities extend beyond finishing moves. “I do not know if it is pressure, but all three of us want to get a goal,” he said. “We are number nines, but we also do the hard work: defending, helping the team and giving everything.”
He believes goals will come once the side can play with greater composure. Until then, Berterame’s message from the final stop of the camp was clear: Mexico should retain the positive signs from Márquez’s opening weeks while allowing the project time to develop.
