MEXICO CITY, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- New Mexico manager Rafael Marquez vowed Thursday to build a squad driven by commitment, discipline and a strong sense of identity.
Marquez will take charge of the national team for the first time in friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile in late September and early October. All games will be played in the United States.
"Establishing and strengthening the identity of this team, that is the goal - for everyone to identify with their national team," said Marquez, who replaced Javier Aguirre in July.
"I will look for players with willingness, who know they must put in their best effort to come to the national team, in the same way that Javier did. That is essential to generate more competition."
Marquez has never managed at senior professional level. He served as Aguirre's assistant for two years and previously managed Barcelona B-team.
The 47-year-old praised the work of Aguirre, who guided Mexico to four wins from its first four games at this year's FIFA World Cup before it fell to England in the round of 16.
"What we went through during the World Cup was important," he said. "I am very excited about this responsibility. I am extremely grateful to Javier because he opened the doors of his coaching staff for me."
He added: "I won't be working from scratch. There is continuity and a solid base, I know the environment, and I have surrounded myself with experienced, highly capable people who have competed at a very high level." ■
