SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- El Tri coach Miguel Herrera may be fielding a relatively inexperienced Mexico team to face the United States on Wednesday at the Alamodome, but that doesn't mean he's not intent on winning what is widely considered the CONCACAF region's biggest rivalry.
"It has become a clasico that everyone wants to win," said Herrera in a news conference here on Tuesday. "We've talked [about the rivalry] with the boys that we've brought, and they've all got a great attitude."
Herrera described the United States as a "strong, solid team" that has more of its key players than Mexico will have for the sold-out game, with El Tri's coach in the process of putting together two separate squads to compete at the Gold Cup and Copa America this summer.
"The youngsters weren't brought in just to have a look at and forget about the game," added Herrera. "We are going out with the intention of winning, keeping in mind that you can't lose these clasicos."
Mexico's training session on Tuesday was moved from the Alamodome to Trinity University because of concerns about the pitch, although director Hector Inarritu remained cautiously optimistic that the organizers will improve the playing surfacing and the game will go ahead.
"If the conditions really are deplorable and put the players at risk it will be impossible, but we have to think positively that there won't be any problem," Inarritu said. with Herrera highlighting that it is a poor situation for both teams.
U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe said the field will be fine in time for the game.
Herrera also confirmed the starting XI to face the United States.
Mexico XI (judging by training): Saucedo, Mier, Rodriguez, Salcedo, Flores, Velarde, Osuna, Montes, Esquivel, E Herrera, Cubo Torres.
- ESPN Tri (@ESPNFCtri) April 14, 2015
Cirilo Saucedo will start in goal, with Carlos Salcedo, Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez and Hiram Mier the three center-backs in Herrera's preferred 5-3-2 formation.
Gerardo Flores will be the right wing-back, with Efrain Velarde on the left.
In midfield, Mario Osuna is in the holding role, with Carlos Esquivel ahead on the right and Luis Montes, returning for the first time since breaking his leg ahead of the World Cup, on the left.
Up front, Eduardo Herrera will be accompanied by soon-to-be Houston Dynamo striker Erick "Cubo" Torres.