Héctor Herrera: “MLS players are overlooked” for Mexican National Team

Houston Dynamo midfielder Héctor Herrera had a lot to say when asked about certain omissions from El Tri for the upcoming Copa América.

Joe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Jun 13th, 2024 16:01 EDT0

Troy TaorminaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The wide grin of Héctor Herrera had already opened up even before the advertising board was properly showing the waiting journalists which energy drink to buy on their next trip to the supermarket. The Mexican footballer sat down with the press as part of MLS’ monthly gathering of journalists all over the world in what was another batch of further evidence of the now global reach that the league possesses.

Herrera’s smile might well have been due to the fact that, as he says his recent physical problem “wasn’t really an injury, but a niggle”, and that he feels better in the affected area. had in his knee. “Every day I feel better and I want to get back to my level”.

“I’m very happy in Houston, with what we’re doing as a team, being with my family is very important and In try to live day by day to be in the best conditions to help the team.”

There was a theme to the questions, let’s be honest. It’s a week before the Copa América and Héctor’s smile is great, but sitting in front of a huge Houston Dynamo badge, not the crest of the Mexican National Team. “I always want to be there”, he admitted, “but there are other decisions and I have to accept that. If at any moment I see that I can help from whatever position I’ll do it, but right now it’s my turn to support from the outside and I’ll do it with a smile because I’m Mexican.”

Hector Herrera’s 1st goal of the season for the Houston Dynamo is an absolute stunner. Wow. Captain taking the lead. pic.twitter.com/GKgYbC43sy

— Maanav Gupta (@MGSportsTalk) May 12, 2024

Herrera: “It’s a bit strange that Chucky Lozano isn’t in the squad”

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“I’m very happy to have players like Chucky in MLS” Herrera said, the broad smile on show again as he spoke of his friend (Herrera was part of San Diego FC’s welcome video for Lozano): “I have a good friendship with him and it’ll be great to come up against him here. I think Chucky is one of the best players [from] Mexico and he’ll help his team to grow, as well as the league.”

Neither Herrera nor Lozano were selected by manager Jimmy Lozano, a decision which the latter said made him feel disappointed. As to wether the ex-Atlético Madrid man felt the same, he said, “no, not disappointment but it surprised me not to see Chucky there. He’s a player who has been in Europe, it was a bit strange”.

“In my case” he continued, “I think MLS players are overlooked; as for myself, I have just got back from an injury and I have only played a few games, I expected [to be left ]. I wasn’t expecting the call, but I’m calm and focussed on my team.”

When probed, Herrera responded, with a clear message that was meant to be heard loud and clear from an veteran of the game: “I think players in MLS aren’t taken into account as much as they should be. The league is good and is growing well. I don’t know why it’s like this. I hope it doesn’t happen to Chucky, he’s younger than me and can still bring a lot to the team. But it’s not our decision.”

A message from Chucky’s biggest fans. pic.twitter.com/PJY2k6TMQr

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) June 13, 2024

“If I go back to Liga MX it will be with Pachuca”

“I think there’s a long way to go”, Herrera admitted when asked about the performances of his club side this season. Despite the team having scored just 18 in 16 games – the lowest tally in the league – he thinks that Houston Dynamo are “on the right lines”.

“We’re not where we want to be, which is at the top ”, he responds when asked about the league standings, “but we’re on the right road and the team is playing well, we’re playing well and we aren’t getting the results we perhaps deserve but we’re doing things right, we want the playoffs”, he added.

“Last year we didn’t get to the MLS Cup, we lost at the final step against LAFC and we need to prepare a little more and that’s what’s important. To compete against the best you have to be on it.”