SDR: You said that "El Chicharito" is no different than other players on this team, that he's not to get special treatment. But is he not a player that can help lead Mexico to another level and help lead the team to glory, something that was missing in the World Cup?
De la Torre: "This is not about one person. No one wins alone. This is about a team working together. And we all have a role on the squad and we all have to help make this right. All of our players give us the chance to be great."
SDR: Your role on this team is to coach during the Gold Cup, why not also coach at Copa América to gain more international experience heading into next year's World Cup qualifiers?
De la Torre: "Because when we're at the Gold Cup, the Copa América team needs to be preparing for that tournament. We can't be at both places at once."
SDR: Don't you think that can cause some issues in developing both squads, with Luis Fernando Tena coaching the Copa América team with his own style?
De la Torre: "No. Luis Fernando Tena is part of our group. We work the same way. I don't think there will be a difference, on the contrary. Plus, that is how our plan was developed."
SDR: It has been said you like to use a lot of technology to study your opponents. What do you use?
De la Torre: "We use the same equipment most other teams use. We use it to prepare and to show the players what we want to do. Technology has advanced everywhere so we have to take advantage of what we have."
SDR: The upcoming games will be played in NFL stadiums. How will that benefit the team as they'll also play in similar stadiums in the Gold Cup?
De la Torre:"It's not about playing in NFL stadiums. We'll be in Oakland and that's a baseball stadium, isn't? Then it's a stadium that can be converted. A soccer field is the same everywhere. It's grass. They maintain it so we can work on it. It's not the stadium that makes a difference. It is what we accomplish, how we adapt, that our team performs well."
SDR: Will it be difficult to keep a chemistry with this team after these upcoming exhibition matches before the Gold Cup?
De la Torre: "We will regroup after the players finish their work with their clubs. We will see if it will be the same group or if it will be others as we get ready for the Gold Cup."
ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com
