The apparent rift between Mexico's coach and all-time top scorer Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has takena new turn, as the tactician has hinted that the footballer's decisions off the pitch are the main reason why he has not been called up to play for El Tri since 2019.
The team's lack of goal during the final stage of the World Cup Qualifiers has seen fans and experts pleading for the LA Galaxy ace, since they believe his current form is better than the one shown by players that have been handed a chance to play for El Tri. In a press conference held today, the Argentine coach revealed some of the reasons why he has chosen not to add Chicharito to his rosters for almost three years.
"When we speak only about football, there can be no doubt. I can tell you that his skills on the pitch are the only scenario where Javier's career can't be questioned. Not only because of his current form, but also because a striker that has played for Real Madrid or Manchester United must own impressive skills," Martino said.
But moments later, the former Barcelona boss backed up his decision to leave Hernández out of the squad because of some rising Mexican talents.
"It is also true that there have been other players that have raised their hands and that have caused some disagreements between myself and my staff which have seen me leaving Javier out of the team," the coach added.
The reasons behind Hernández's absences from El Tri have never been discussed publicly, but reports from different sources suggest that Hernández failed to comply with the team's disciplinary measures in one of his final call ups, and that his refusal to offer Martino and his teammates an apology for his actions are the reason why he has been snubbed since 2019.
Speaking about this, Martino added that his relationship with Javier Hernández is not as harsh as many people may think.
"No, I dont' have neither a bittersweet relationship with Javier nor an absence of dialogue with him," the coach stated.
Martino continued the interview leaving a window of opportunity open for Hernández to play in the FIFA World Cup next winter, although he did not mention what the LA Galaxy man would need to do to be called up to play with Mexico.
"As I have always said, the door is always open and then I go on and decide not to call him up, and that will not change," Martino added.
Before the interview concluded, Martino said that Hernández's case cannot be compared to that of other players -such as LAFC's Carlos Vela- who have retired from the national team, mainly because "Chicharito" has never gone on the record about being unavailable for El Tri.
"The door is open for every Mexican player. Obviously there are some players that have chosen to retire from the team and we have respected that, but in Javier's case, he has never made himself unavailable to play for the team," Martino concluded.
Mexico will be playing in Group C of the FIFA World Cup, where they were drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. El Tri will make their debut on November 22 against Poland, in what could be a crucial tie for the North American side.
