Tough times for Mexico coach Meza

Meza led Toluca to three league titles

If Sven Goran Eriksson would like an indication of how quickly fortunes can turn sour in football, he should take a wary glance in the direction of Mexican coach Enrique Meza.

Eriksson is still enjoying a honeymoon period in charge of the England team.

In the same way, Meza became a darling of the Mexican public after taking over the national team in September 2000.

He led the team to wins in his first three games in charge, including a 7-0 demolition of Trinidad & Tobago.

Since then Mexico have struggled with Meza failing to satisfy the appetite of a football adoring nation.

Mexico lost four consecutive friendlies and have struggled in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Emphatic turnaround

Even though the team has several ageing stars and lack the bite of previous successful years, Meza has come under increasing pressure.

But, he is a man familiar with trying to rejuvenate an ailing team.

It is a task he faced when he took over Mexican club side Toluca during mid-season in 1998.

The results were emphatic as Meza put the experience of his time in Costa Rica and his previous spells in charge of Neza, Morelia and Cruz Azul to good use.

Toluca - previously containing several talented players but lacking direction and the ability to turn their promise into trophies - were turned into Mexico's most successful club side.

Toluca claimed the championship in 1998, Meza's first season in charge, and went on to to clinch a hat-trick of titles.

It was this record which resulted in Meza taking over after former Mexican coach Manuel Lapente resigned in controversial circumstances.

Meza, compared to his predecessor, is a calmer and more composed figure.

His future is expected to depend on Mexico's World Cup qualifying campaign and upcoming outings in the Confederations Cup.