Rodolfo Cota shouldn’t be the starting goalkeeper of Mexico National Team for a $12 million reason

Mexico National Team succeeded on their first game of the summer, as they beat 2-1 Nigeria in a game that was marked by errors from both sides, something that Gerardo “Tata” Martino will have to analyze and solve prior the next game, as Uruguay will be the toughest challenge.

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Although the Aztec squad were able to win the game thanks to William Troost-Ekong’s mistake, as he scored on own goal while trying to clear the ball, El Tri couldn’t keep a clean sheet given that Rodolfo Cota gifted away the goal for Nigeria.

The Club León goalkeeper wasted his opportunity to prove Gerardo Martino that he’s a reliable backup for Guillermo Ochoa, who was a healthy scratch during the game as he is one of the players that recently joined El Tri’s camp and hasn’t had enough time to get up to speed with the rest of the group.

Why shouldn’t Cota be the starting goalkeeper ever again?

Although Gerardo Martino said during the press conference that he’s trying to give every player the chance of proving why they should be considered for the final roster of El Tri, he also knows that there shouldn’t be more experimentation, at least on the goal.

The Argentine coach knows that even if not everyone is keen on Guillermo Ochoa, the stability and experience that the Club América goalkeeper brings to El Tri is the foundation of the team, as having a reliable goalkeeper gives the defense the confidence to be more aggressive, something that the Mexican squad has been missing.

But the reason why Ochoa will return to the starting XI on the game against Uruguay not only is because Cota wasted his chance, but also because Martino is trying to negotiate his renewal for the 2026 World Cup, something that will only happen if El Tri transcends in Qatar. “Tata” knows that if he remains another cycle, he will earn at least $3 million per year, the salary he currently has with the Aztec squad.

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