The new coach is set to lead the U.S. against the team's fiercest rival in just his second game in charge
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – On paper, Mauricio Pochettino's introduction to CONCACAF opposition came on Saturday in a 2-0 U.S. men's national team win over Panama.
His actual introduction to CONCACAF, though? That came on Monday night deep inside the bowels of the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
Pochettino himself was left bemused by the comedy of chaos that served as a backdrop to his pre-match news conference. The high point – or low point, depending on perspective – came when Pochettino wondered aloud, why exactly a bus parked just behind the gathered reporters, it's engine roaring so loud that it drowned out both questions and answers, inexplicably continued to disrupt proceedings?
Welcome to CONCACAF, Mauricio. There's nothing quite like it.
Pochettino has, of course, seen plenty of chaos throughout his career. He came up in his native Argentina, travelling all over Europe as a player and coach. Hostile environments like the Estadio Akron are nothing to new him, but USMNT-Mexico?
That's new. And he knows it.
"For me, I know what has happened with the USA and Mexico," Pochettino said, "but, at the same time, I think the way that I approach the game is that this is a massive opportunity to challenge ourselves. Of course, it's going to be special for our fans and special for Mexican fans, but I just hope we can see a very good game and an entertaining game."
Getty Images SportAn introduction to the rivalry
This is all new for Pochettino but, USMNT-Mexico is, of course, one of the game's great rivalries. This match, in particular, is a unique one.
Tuesday night's game will mark the first time the USMNT has ever played in Guadalajara. For Mexico, this will be the first match in Guadalajara in 14 years, with the last being a clash with Ecuador in 2010. And Pochettino’s second game will be the first friendly between the rivals on Mexican soil since August 2012. That match at the Estadio Azteca proved historic, as defender Michael Orozco’s late goal lifted the U.S. to a 1-0 win and its first over in 25 games in Mexico.
This is new ground, in a way, but also familiar ground. In recent years, the USMNT has dominated this rivalry, having not lost to El Tri in more than five years. Prior to that, Mexico had enjoyed their own run of dominance, winning four of out six between 2015 and 2019, including two cup finals.
The USMNT has lifted three cups of their own against Mexico in recent years, but the team that will take the field on Tuesday is one vastly different than the ones that claimed the 2021 and 2024 Nations League, as well as the 2021 Gold Cup. In fact, it's one much different than the one that just beat Panama a few short days ago.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesShort-handed USMNT
Pochettino interrupted when asked about the players he sent back to their clubs.
"I did not send them!" he said with a laugh. He has a point. Those players, whether he wanted them or not, had to head out.
Christian Pulisic was one, leaving the USMNT without its best player, more importantly, its most in-form. Weston McKennie, Marlon Fossey and Zack Steffen are gone, too, as is goalscorer Ricardo Pepi, who will perhaps be the most frustrated to miss out on a clash with Mexico.
Pochettino opted not to call in replacements for the departing five, instead travelling to Guadalajara with just 20 available players. Among that group, though, are a number of young stars. Of the 20, just half were at the World Cup less than two years ago. Even wilder? Just seven of the 17 players that played in this fixture earlier this year are in this USMNT squad.
"It's really important for the players because I think we all want to have the opportunity to play and to show quality," Pochettino said. "It's true that it's a problem because we cannot have five players that can be involved. There were some players that could not be involved in the last game against Panama and now in Mexico.
"It's a little bit sad because these guys that work here want to help and play for the team, but at the same time when one door is closed, another can be opened, there will be a possibility for another player to play"
Who is in a position to step up? Could it be someone such as Josh Sargent up top? Maybe Alejandro Zendejas or Haji Wright out wide? Could this be a match for Joe Scally or Malik Tillman to shine? Maybe this is Tanner Tessmann's big chance in midfield?
This is a short-handed USMNT – which in part explains why Mexico is the betting favorite – but that isn't an excuse in this rivalry, particularly as this team faces a Mexico group far from the peak of its powers.
Getty ImagesMexico in rough patch
This isn't a vintage Mexico team by any stretch. In fact, it's one that's been struggling for the better part of a year.
Dating back to last November, Mexico has won just five of their 14 games. During that time, they've lost to powerhouses such as Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil, but also Venezuela and Honduras. Most notably, they also lost to the USMNT in the Nations League final earlier this year.
Enter Javier Aguirre, who was brought back for his third stint in charge of El Tri following their Copa America exit this summer. Aguirre is now tasked with rebuilding a Mexico team that finds itself in flux less than two years before a World Cup arrives on home soil – the 2026 tournament will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Aguirre is a familiar face for Pochettino. When Pochettino left Espanyol for Southampton in 2012, it was Aguirre that replaced him as boss of the Spanish club. As a result, there's mutual respect, despite the rivalry that these teams hold so dear.
“If we talk about competitiveness, Javier is one of those who best applies that," Pochettino said. "There are not many coaches who compete like him. The ability and managing a group, for me he is one of the best. He is a great man and gentleman."
For Aguirre, this game is a bit more personal due to his own history. The coach explained that he's cried only twice during his legendary career, and one of those times was after the USMNT eliminated Mexico at the 2002 World Cup. With his team led by the likes of Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez, he's eager for this matchup – and for a clash with a familiar face in Pochettino.
"Mauricio is going to give the team a lot of substance," he said, praising the USMNT's decision to bring Pochettino on board as "a good decision. They are going to present their best team, and Mauricio is not going to give anything away. There is no big difference. The United States is not going to give us anything."
Getty Images SportFirst of many?
This likely won't be the last time you see these two teams face off before the World Cup takes over North America. In fact, it could happen a few more times.
Next month, CONCACAF Nations League will begin for both sides, as they will look to battle their way to another final rematch. That may not be all, though. Scheduling issues could make this a common matchup during this Pochettino era.
Next October, the USMNT and Mexico will find themselves in a similar position. Having already qualified for the World Cup as hosts of the tournament, these two sides may struggle to find opponents, even as the rest of the world goes through competitive qualifiers.
Panama was drafted in as an opponent for both the U.S. and Canada this international break. Mexico, meanwhile, got more creative, sparring with La Liga side Valencia in a club-vs-country friendly, ending up in a 2-2 draw over the weekend.
Tuesday is Pochettino's introduction to this rivalry and, in some ways, it's just that: an introduction. There will likely be more matches, more chances for Pochettino to experience North America's fiercest rivalry.
This one is a game pitting a USMNT group on the rise under Pochettino's leadership against one looking to stabilize under Aguirre. A win for Pochettino will be a sign of progress. A win for Aguirre will silence the crowd that believe the sky is falling over Mexico.
Welcome to the rivalry, Mauricio. Your introduction will surely be memorable.