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Cruz Azul boss Pedro Caixinha: 'No, thank you' to taking Mexico job

Cruz Azul manager Pedro Caixinha said he has no interest in coaching the Mexico national team, saying he is focused on bringing a Liga MX title to the Mexico City side.

"I am enjoying being at this institution, my goals are here and I have no worries in regard to the future," the Portuguese said at a news conference on Friday. "The national team? No, thank you."

Caixinha has Cruz Azul among the favorites to win the Liga MX title this season, battling with Club America and his former club Santos Laguna for the top seed in the playoffs.

He led Santos to the 2015 Clasura title before a brief stint at the helm of Scottish side Rangers.

"We have [Cruz Azul] players on the Mexico national team and we work with them every day so they can achieve their best level ... last week I said I want to be here for a long time, that is my focus ... I live in the moment, the here and now, and for me that means to stay here as long as I can."

Caixinha led Cruz Azul to Copa MX victory last month and hopes to achieve a double with La Maquina, which has not won a league title since 1997-1998.

Mexico has been managed on an interim basis by Tigres coach Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti since the World Cup. ESPN has previously reported Atlanta United boss Gerardo "Tata" Martino as the favorite to take the job, while ex-Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores has also been linked.