MEXICO CITY -- United States manager Bruce Arena has no problem with the comments of midfielder Christian Pulisic, who said this week there was "no reason" why the U.S. can't beat Mexico in Sunday's World Cup qualifier.
Speaking at Saturday's news conference, Arena said dryly: "I think I would like our players to believe that that they can win. I'm willing make this a public statement. We're going to try to win the game [Sunday]. I don't think there's anything wrong with saying that."
But Arena also said he is well aware of how difficult Sunday's game will be. The U.S. has only won once at the Estadio Azteca, and that was in a friendly in 2012. In World Cup qualifiers, the U.S. has only managed two draws in 13 attempts in Mexico.
"We have a great challenge," he said. "Mexico has clearly demonstrated that they have been the best team in the Hex to date. In order to beat them we have to have a good plan. We have to have confident, fit players, and we have to have a little bit of luck. If all those things fall into place we have a chance to win."
The U.S. has been training at altitude since May 29 in both Denver and Salt Lake City, the better to cope with Mexico City's elevation of around 7,200 feet. That amounts to about a 2,000-foot increase in elevation, but Arena said he isn't worried.
"I don't have great concern about the higher altitude," he said. "We know that this is obviously an aspect of the game. We traveled in yesterday, arrived last night. My first opportunity to look at the players will be on the field [Saturday]. We'll observe them in a light training session and determine our starting XI tomorrow."
The match comes amid greater political tension between the two countries since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump last November. When asked about the relationship between the two neighbors, Arena struck a conciliatory tone.
"We have the greatest respect for Mexico, its people, its football team," said Arena. "I live in Los Angeles. I experience on a daily basis people of Mexican heritage. They're wonderful people, they contribute greatly to our society in many ways. We think the world of them.
"I'm ashamed that there's perhaps some discord on the political side, but believe me I think most Americans appreciate the Mexicans that have come to America to make a better future for themselves and their families and the way they have contributed.
Arena added: "I think this is a great rivalry, and if we can play a great game tomorrow with great sportsmanship and respect for each other, I think it would be fantastic."