Mexico

Eriksson: Mexico Must Fight With US Players

Speaking on the eve of his biggest game in charge of Mexico, Sven-Goran Eriksson was in high spirits despite admitting that he was feeling the pressure to win.

Feb 10, 2009 6:54:05 PM

More On : Mexico, USA

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Mexican National Team has not won in the United States since 1999, as everyone here has mentioned again and again. In fact, as coach Sven-Goran Eriksson pointed out at a press conference on Tuesday, roughly 24 hours before Mexico take on the US in a 2010 World Cup qualifer, el Tri has won only seven times in the last 33 away games against the five teams in the current Hexagonal.

Don't Miss

This should have some effect on his players, Eriksson declared.

“I hope so,” he answered when asked if his squad enters the match humbled. “I hope we go into this game humble. You just need to read the statistics. I can assure you, no Mexican player will go in thinking it will be an easy game.”

Mexico are missing five potential starters for the match, including suspended regulars Carlos Vela, Fernando Arce, and Gerardo Torrado, and the injured Andres Guardado and Jonny Magallon. Playing in Columbus, where the weather is expected to be windy and intemperate on Wednesday evening, only adds to the visitors’ difficulties: They are 0-2 in previous World Cup qualifiers at Crew Stadium.

“It is a very good pitch,” Eriksson said. “I’m sure we can play good football out there. We are ready. Our preparation was good. We have a positive attitude. It will be a difficult game, but have worked hard... and done everything to be ready.”

Outside the tent housing the press-conference room, a throng of Mexican fans chanted, waved flags, and banged drums, a reminder of the immense national pressure Eriksson is under. Many believe that a poor result could lead to his firing.

"Of course I feel the pressure," he said. Then he smiled, perhaps because the question had come from the only Swedish journalist in the room. "On the other hand, why does anyone want to be a football coach? This pressure I like and the players like it."

When asked about his planned strategy, particularly whether he will have his side sit back and look to counterattack, the former England manager asked for the question again. It was unclear whether this was because he had not heard the question due to the noise outside or if he simply thought it was a ridiculous question. “I can’t answer that today!” he chuckled. “You don’t give the US an advantage the day before the game.”

Regardless of history, weather, or strategy, one aspect seems to stand out most for Eriksson as the key to the match, something that is not in the statistical ledgers or the coach’s manual.

“We must fight with the US players,” he said.

Greg Lalas, Goal.com

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!