Skip to main content

De la Torre sole runner for Mexico job

Vucetich, speaking after his side maintained the Mexican Championship's only unbeaten record with a 2-0 win over Torre's Toluca, told reporters: "Late (Friday) night was when I decided definitely to step aside.

"The motives for taking this action are personal and more than anything family."

Toluca's De la Torre is now expected to be announced as Mexico coach on Monday with the remit of steering his country to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil amid a conflict between national team players and the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) management.

"I think he is the strongest candidate there is, I wish him the best of success, I think he will fit perfectly in the national team," Vucetich told Televisa.

De la Torre's brother Nestor resigned in midweek from the job of national teams director after players revolted against sanctions he imposed on team members who held an unauthorised late-night party following a September friendly.

Speaking ahead of Monday's decision, De la Torre told reporters: "If I was not ready I'd have quit (the race) already but let's wait for the federation to make it official."

The victory by Vucetich's Monterrey left them four points clear at the top of Group One of the Apertura championship with 26 points from 12 matches. Santos Laguna, beaten 3-0 at home by runaway Group Three leaders Cruz Azul, are second.