Edson Álvarez targeted on Copa América amid Man United hyperlinks

HOUSTON — Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez mentioned Friday that he is “targeted on” the Copa América amid stories that Manchester United are inquisitive about signing the West Ham participant.

“I can solely let you know that I am targeted on what I’ve to do. I do know that the Copa América is a vital event the place the eyes of the world are mainly right here,” Álvarez, who joined West Ham from Ajax final summer time, mentioned forward of Mexico’s event opener in opposition to Jamaica on Saturday in Houston.

“Later there can be time to see what there may be or what there is not.”

Álvarez, 26, is ready to put on the captain’s armband as the brand new chief for a Mexico roster that’s in a generational change beneath coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano.

“I really need this to begin, [so] tomorrow I can exit with the captain’s armband, hearken to the Mexican nationwide anthem in entrance of all of the individuals. It is one thing I take into consideration and get goosebumps,” he added.

Lozano will coach within the Copa América for the primary time since taking cost of El Tri in 2023. Regardless of hitting the bottom operating with a Gold Cup trophy final summer time, Mexico’s coach has been questioned in latest months after being unable to win the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League title and not too long ago dropping to Uruguay and Brazil in friendlies.

And the previous Necaxa and Queretaro coach admitted this summer time’s Copa América is the most important problem of his managerial profession.

“No doubt, surely, in fact,” he mentioned. “A Copa América is unquestionably only a step under a World Cup.

“As a result of we’re not at all times invited, as a result of there are groups which were world champions many instances. No doubt, surely, crucial event [of my career].”

After dealing with Jamaica at Houston’s NRG Stadium this weekend, Mexico will proceed their Copa América group stage run in opposition to Venezuela on June 26 (at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California) and Ecuador on June 30 (at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona).

Though Mexico completed as Copa America finalists in 1993 and 2001, the Concacaf aspect have didn’t go additional than the quarterfinal stage of their final three outings.

Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrimsson praised Mexico in a separate press convention on Friday, but additionally did not depend his crew out in opposition to the all-time leaders in Gold Cup titles.

“They’re the powerhouse of our confederation and on paper in all probability extra more likely to win the sport,” mentioned Hallgrimsson. “However fortunately for us, this recreation just isn’t performed on paper, it is performed on the market.”