Mexico manager says he’s been left in dark by Fifa over World Cup kick-off change

Mexico boss Javier Aguirre described the possible kick-off change for the last-16 clash with England as a “kick in the stomach”. Fifa was in discussions to move the Estadio Azteca fixture from 6pm local time (1pm BST) to an earlier time due to the risk of weather disruption . No confirmation had come by late on Friday night, but Aguirre says the decision would “really hit us hard”. “It’s like a kick in the stomach,” he told Radio Formula. “Now we have to change the entire work plan. “I’m not saying it goes completely out the window – but almost, because you’re losing six hours that were already scheduled. “I don’t like it at all, but obviously we’ll comply with what Fifa says. Neither my players nor I like it. “This changes everything because you have to reschedule everything and wake up earlier. I don’t like the idea at all.” Mexico have won all four games during the tournament without conceding a goal. England have the added challenge of the altitude and hostile atmosphere, with Aguirre calling the scheduled 6pm kick-off “perfectly fine”. The 67-year-old insists his side would get no extra advantage from a changed kick-off. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre (Reuters) “Nobody asked me,” he added. “At 6pm we were perfectly fine. We’ve performed very well at that time. “It’s an ideal kick-off, and I love it because we play well then. Noon is not a common time for us. “I don’t think we’ve played at 12pm in 40 years. This team has never played at that hour under me. “I don’t agree with it, and nobody asked me, but Fifa decides and I comply. “I don’t see any advantage, none at all. Ever since the match against Ecuador ended, we knew we were playing at 6pm, and now this really hits us hard.” PA