Mexico manager makes squad cuts prior to send off match

By: Jonny Rico
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Rumors started flying on social media approximately an hour prior to Mexico kicking off its farewell match on Saturday that Osorio had made three of the four cuts to his Mexico roster. The rumors that Jesus Molina, Jurgen Damm and Oswaldo Alanis were cut from the squad were confirmed when all three players posted similar messages on their Twitter profiles.

Jesus Molina: Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but rather by how we react to what happens to us! #GodsPlansArePerfect #LetsGoMexico 

Jurgen Damm: God’s plans and timing are perfect. I will continue to work with the same dedication, effort and humility. Thank you to the coaching staff, directors, teammates and National Team staff for all of your support and love. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in Russia 2018. May God bless you.

Oswaldo Alanis: Thank you to my teammates and coaching staff that supported my in this @MiSeleccionMX camp. You guys will represent an entire nation with passion and all of your soul. I wish you all success. You have my total support. #NothingWillHoldUsBack

The manager was asked about his decision following the 1-0 win over Scotland on Saturday.

“We made the decision based on four factors. One, competition with another player in that position, two,  the competition with for a second option, third, the issues regarding our injured players and fourth the competition with multi-functional players.” — Juan Carlos Osorio.

Osorio will still have to cut one more player from his squad before starting the World Cup in Russia. He traveled to Denmark where he’ll face his final preparation match with a 24-man roster. The only question remanding in whether or not Andres Guardado will recover from his injury. If Guardado is able to recover and participate in the World Cup, then it will be Pachuca midfielder Erik Gutierrez who will be sacrificed and sent home.