Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio says Jurgen Klinsmann's firing on Monday has highlighted the importance of El Tri's 2-1 victory over the United States on Nov. 11.
It was Mexico's first stateside win in World Cup Qualifying since 1972 and ended a series of four consecutive 2-0 losses against the United States in Columbus, Ohio.
"The only thing I think [about Klinsmann's firing] is that their play or ours was so important as to generate an initial message about what their qualifying could be like," Osorio told reporters in Mexico City airport, where he was flying out to Russia for Saturday's Confederations Cup draw. "The emotional hit was very strong and was shown in the hefty [4-0] scoreline in Costa Rica."
Osorio -- who coached the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer -- said he respected U.S. Soccer and that it would have a strong national team whoever was in charge.
When the two great CONCACAF rivals next lock horns in World Cup qualifying in June, the venue may not be the Estadio Azteca like it usually is. There has been a debate in Mexico about whether the stadium should continue to be used for qualifying and Osorio stated it was the players who have raised concerns about if playing at altitude in Mexico City actually still helps them.
"That hasn't come from us," said the Colombian. "The players have suggested considering another venue for physiological reasons."
Osorio pointed out that with many of Mexico's players not featuring regularly at high altitude, it is time to debate the topic.
"The Mexican national team historically had an advantage playing in the Azteca, but you have to remember that the majority of them played in the Mexican league," stated Osorio. "Now that supposed advantage isn't so [with so many players in Europe] and the players want to consider other possibilities."
As for the Confederations Cup, which takes place in Russia next June, Osorio said he is hoping for the most difficult group draw possible in order for Mexico to face strong competition.
"I don't have a favorite, but hopefully [the opponents] will be from Europe and South America, which we consider will demand the maximum from us and are a parameter to measure and to find out what level we are at," Osorio said.
Osorio also stated that a game against Chile -- who knocked Mexico out of the Copa America Centenario last summer with a 7-0 victory -- in the Confederations Cup would be "a great opportunity."