Ochoa: Mexico Confident Of Qualities, Abilities

After a switch up in the Mexican national team, the players are not sure of where their fortunes hang. As El Tri prepares for the upcoming Gold Cup, Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa spoke of the rotational changes, and Mexico’s drop in FIFA rankings during a team press conference in San Diego.  

The team won 4-0 over Venezuela, but failed to score against Guatemala. However, Ochoa has seen benefit from both games.  

“We’ve worked well, strongly. These two games have helped much to get confidence so we can start coupling what Javier is asking of us and we’re going down a good path,” said Ochoa.  

Despite not being able to open up the scoring, Ochoa notes the team as confident of their abilities.  

“We’re calm, we know that it’s an important tournament coming up. The team has confidence in their quality and ability. We’re going to do things right.”  

So far the goalkeeping position has been highly talked about with both Ochoa and Jesus Corona as favorites. In the game against Guatemala, Corona was handed the honor of tending the goal.  

“The goal has always been highly contested and it will continue to be. That’s good because it forces one to increase the level and work harder. It’s positive for everyone.”  

In the end, Ochoa would be accepting of whatever role given to him.  

“I keep on working like the rest of my teammates. No one has their place assured. We all want to play, participate, and be starters. In the end the one who decides is the manager. I feel fine," Ochoa said. "In my case I want to play all games. Day in and day out I only think and work towards that, but if Javier decides that I won’t start I accept and respect that.”  

New FIFA rankings have Mexico sitting in the 33rd place, dropping seven spots from 26th. Ochoa takes the Gold Cup as a stepping stone to improving the team’s placement.  

“We have to be positive. We have to move up, and we’ll work to achieve it. The national team deserves to be better placed, and we know that. We’ll start by winning the Gold Cup.”