For a second consecutive year, Santiago Gimenez is one of the top players in the Netherlands. The Mexican forward has scored 21 goals in the 2023-2024 season of Eredivisie. Only Vangelis Pavlidis and Luuk de Jong are ahead of him.
Thatās why, next summer, Gimenez might finally sign with a powerhouse in Europe. However, the story is very different when he plays for Mexicoās national team.
Last Thursday, during the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League against Panama, Santi didnāt play at all. No minutes even coming from the bench. Coach Jaime Lozano preferred Henry Martin as his starting striker surrounded by players such as Julian QuiƱones and Uriel Antuna.
Jaime Lozano is in the middle of a huge controversy with Santiago Gimenez (Getty Images)
Why is Santiago Gimenez not playing with Mexico?
This is merely a tactical decision by coach Jaime Lozano. Henry Martin has been the favorite player for his scheme since he managed the U-23 team and led them to bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Now, a major controversy has erupted in Mexico because cameras captured Santiago Gimenez kicking the bench at the end of the match against Panama. The forward just couldnāt hide his frustration.
Even his father, the famous āChacoā Gimenez, had to clarify what happened in an interview with Fox Sports. āHeās a bit disappointed by the reaction in the moment, but I take it as something normal. He was angry and didnāt measure that moment. It was really just that. In that sense, heās sorry to his teammates, heās sorry to the coach for the reaction he had, but itās something normal.ā
see also
Mexico"s 25 best players of all time
Meanwhile, Lozano admitted that he didnāt expect to leave Santiago Gimenez on the bench for the entire match, but circumstances led him to make that decision. Now, the big question is whether he will play as a starter in the final against the United States.
