Mexico will be even better with Lozano and Co – Martino

Mexico boss Tata Martino flashed a warning to the rest of CONCACAF after their Gold Cup win, insisting they can be even better with the likes of Hirving Lozano available.

A Jonathan dos Santos goal was enough to defeat defending champions the United States 1-0 in Sunday’s final in Chicago, securing El Tri’s eighth title.

USA created and squandered their own chances to win the match, yet Martino pointed out afterwards Mexico still have another level they can go to.

PSV ace Lozano was absent with injury, while Hector Herrera, Javier Hernandez and Jesus Manuel Corona also missed the tournament, and Carlos Vela remains out of favour with the coach.

“I keep insisting we will be even better with those who were not here due to different circumstances,” Martino told a news conference.

“We were without one of the three best forwards in the Dutch league [Lozano], for example, who had a knee injury.

“Obviously there’s no reason to think we can’t be better with these players. We’ll see which players return and which don’t.

“I’m very happy with the first six months of my time in charge.”

C A M P E 8 N.

Time to celebrate!! #PasiónyOrgullo | #FMFporNuestroFútbol | #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/k3KS03KVCK

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) July 8, 2019

United States coach Gregg Berhalter, himself in his first year in the job, suggested the final showed how far his side still have to go.

“Over the course of 90 minutes, Mexico were the better team,” he said. “Having said that, we started the game really bright. We came out, created some really good chances.

“When you talk about a step the team needs to take, we’re close. We’re close, but we weren’t there tonight.”

USA forward Jozy Altidore added: “That’s what’s hard about these tournaments. You play games that aren’t up to scruff until the final. The final is a huge step.

“It’s a faster game, just way more intense than some of the group-stage games. In that regard, it was tough but it was a good measuring stick of where we’re trying to go.

“I think it’s a step forward. If you look at the final here and how we started the game, I think it was terrific.

“I’ve been on this team a long time. To see that initiative, to see the guys eager to play forward and play out of pressure and keep the ball in a game like this, this is progress in my opinion.”