Welcome to the rivalry, Mauricio Pochettino: New boss is set to introduce USMNT against Mexico, with both sides heading to the World Cup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – On paper, Mauricio Pochettino got the U.S. men's national team to face CONCACAF on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Panama.

But his actual introduction to CONCACAF? This happened Monday night deep in the bowels of the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

Pochettino himself was puzzled by the comedy of chaos that served as the backdrop to his pre-match press conference. The high point – or low point, depending on your perspective – came when Pochettino wondered aloud why exactly a bus, parked directly behind the assembled reporters, its engine roaring so loudly it drowned out both questions and answers, inexplicably continued the proceedings bothered?

Welcome to CONCACAF, Mauricio. There is nothing like it.

Pochettino has, of course, experienced a lot of chaos throughout his career. He grew up in his native Argentina and traveled throughout Europe as a player and coach. Hostile environments like Estadio Akron are nothing new to him, but USMNT-Mexico?

This is new. And he knows it.

“I know what happened with the USA and Mexico,” said Pochettino, “but at the same time I think my approach to the game is a huge opportunity to challenge ourselves.” It will be special for our fans and special for be the Mexican fans, but I just hope we can see a very good and entertaining game.”