Background and Relevance
Andrés Lillini, the Director of Youth Soccer at the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), is a key figure in shaping the future of Mexico’s national team. His role involves nurturing talent from the U15 to U23 levels, ensuring that these young players will eventually contribute to the senior national team’s success.
Focus on Quality and Development
Lillini emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high standard of quality in both youth development and the senior national team. He believes that a significant portion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup squad should consist of players who have gone through the national youth teams’ development programs.
Setting Targets and Addressing Concerns
When asked about the 70% target for players in the senior team having gone through youth development programs, Lillini explains that this figure is derived from communication with the senior team coaching staff. He acknowledges that some players may not follow the traditional youth selection path but still contribute to the senior team.
_Why was it ambitious to promise 80-90% of the senior team’s players would come from youth development programs?
Lillini admits that setting such a high target was ambitious, as some talented players might not follow the traditional youth selection path. These players could emerge between 20 and 22 years old, having only gone through the final stages of U20 soccer or even skipping youth teams altogether to join senior club teams or European leagues.
Key Actions and Ideas
- Lillini aims to ensure that 70% of the senior national team for the 2030 FIFA World Cup consists of players who have gone through Mexico’s youth development programs.
- He acknowledges that some talented players may not follow the traditional youth selection path, emerging between 20 and 22 years old.
- Lillini emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high standard of quality in both youth development and the senior national team.
- He stresses the need to communicate with the senior team coaching staff to set realistic targets for youth development contributions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: How did you determine the 70% target for senior team players coming from youth development programs?
- Answer: The target is derived from communication with the senior team coaching staff, ensuring that a significant portion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup squad consists of players who have gone through Mexico’s youth development programs.
- Question: Was it bold to promise 80-90% of the senior team’s players would come from youth development programs?
- Answer: Yes, Lillini admits it was ambitious, as some talented players might not follow the traditional youth selection path. These players could emerge between 20 and 22 years old, having only gone through the final stages of U20 soccer or even skipped youth teams altogether to join senior club teams or European leagues.
