Mexico boss Javier Aguirre has pleaded for supplies of his secret weapon to help his squad beat England in the World Cup – Lagavulin whisky.
Aquirre has revealed he is desperate for the Islay single malt after running out of his personal supply of Scotch. England travel to Mexico City for the last 16 clash against the co-hosts at 1am on Monday, UK time.
The Mexicans are in red-hot form, having won every game so far without conceding a goal. They are managed by former Atletico Madrid, Japan, and Egypt boss Aguirre.
The 67-year-old is now in his third stint as manager of the Central Americans. After Mexico eliminated Ecuador from the Round of 32, he told how he turns to Scotland’s most famous export after games.
He said: “The only thing I’m missing at this World Cup is a Lagavulin whisky. I drink it with ice. They say once you have two, you start speaking fluent English!
“Unfortunately I ran out of my supply so I don’t have any more bottles. Maybe someone can help me.”
View 3 ImagesAguirre has run out of his personal supply of Lagavulin Eight-Year-Old(Image: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
The veteran manager has spoken in the past about his preference for the peaty whisky, which has been distilled on Islay since 1816.
After a win with Real Mallorca in his last club job before returning to international football management, Aguirre said: “I love Lagavulin.
“It’s my all-time favourite drink and it helps me sleep after a game. And it has to be the eight-year-old Lagavulin too.”
An eight-year-old bottle of Lagavulin – described as a “robust, highly peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky, which offers an intensely smoky, maritime flavour profile with sweet spice and a crisp, dry finish” – costs around £60.
View 3 ImagesMexico will be hoping to beat Harry Kane and England at the Azteca in the Last 16(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
The Record understands Lagavulin is aware of Aguirre’s request and plans to send him a bottle.
England fans meanwhile are in a race against the clock to get to the game. Internet searches for “England vs Mexico” rose 1200 per cent in 24 hours.
And enquiries for “flights to Mexico” are up 800 per cent on last week. Some tickets are still available – but are being advertised at up to £27,000.
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