Former Mexico 'Keeper Adolfo Rios Previews El Tri Ahead of the Weekend Friendly

Mexico is set to face Ecuador this Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, hoping to secure their first win of 2015 and 13th since Miguel Herrera took over.

It's been 10 months since the last time these two met. Back in May 2014, El Tri secured a 3-1 win but lost Luis Montes for the World Cup due to injury.

This time, Mexico are getting ready for the Gold Cup and Copa America, both to be held next summer. For Ecuador, this is the perfect opportunity to grab a win with newly appointed coach Gustavo Quinteros.

Former El Tri goalkeeper Adolfo Rios spoke with Bleacher Report about the challenges for Mexico, as well as the situation of the 'keepers in the squad.

Rios is currently a spokesman for Allstate, official sponsor of the Mexican national team on tour in the USA. He will support the team and interact with fans on game day at the stadium during the celebration of Football Party with Allstate.

Bleacher Report: Jesus Corona will start against Ecuador. Can you share your thoughts on that?

Adolfo Rios: It's an incentive. Miguel Herrera is letting everyone know that the position isn't locked. I know what it means for a goalkeeper that the coach caps you. Right now all the 'keepers playing at their best will be handed an opportunity, which is fantastic because they will have to fight hard to secure the starting position.

B/R: Do you think this will affect Guillermo Ochoa's confidence?

AR: No, not at all. He comes off from a World Cup, his hierarchy is clear. He has played in Europe for a while now, and the World Cup was something that he was missing in his career. If the tournament were about to start right now, I'm sure El Piojo would pick Ochoa again.

This sort of competition between players is always good for the team. They have to prove themselves and that's usual.

B/R: If you could choose the starting 'keeper for the Copa America and the Gold Cup, who would you choose?

AR: I believe Corona should go to the Gold Cup. For me, the Copa America is more important. This doesn't mean the CONCACAF competition is bad or anything, at the end you face the United States and then you have a chance to qualify for the Confederations Cup.

However, playing in South America is more prestigious in terms of competition, I'd say after the World Cup this is the tournament that should be a priority for Mexico.

B/R: Did William Yarbrough make a good decision by accepting Jurgen Klinsmann's offer?

AR: Yes. When you have an opportunity like that, you should take it. If that call had come from Mexico first, he would have played for El Tri. I'm sure he would be even happier because he has made his career in the Liga MX, and as a footballer, you never forget that. He has the citizenship and it's good that he took the chance.

Up to a certain degree, these are brain drains for Mexican football. But it happens and I'm convinced that he made the right call.

B/R: Talk about Ecuador's strengths and how having a new coach could help them or not.

AR: The players are very motivated. It's going be a tough match. Ecuador has great attacking players, which could complicate Mexico. They will try to surprise Mexico.

B/R: What should Mexico do to avoid defensive lapses, especially through the flanks?

AR: They have to take control of the game. They have to be very offensive, which we know Herrera loves to do with his teams. Mexico need to have the ball as much as possible. Ecuador are fast and can counterattack easily, so the defenders need to be very focused.

B/R: Javier Hernandez and Diego Reyes will start against Ecuador; is it a right call even though they have rarely played with their clubs?

AR: It's a complicated situation. In the end, there are several factors that prevent them from playing.

In the case of Chicharito, well, he is playing for Real Madrid, which has a lot of competitive footballers who have been in the starting XI forever.

Reyes has worked hard; right now he is getting more time with Porto B, and in the end it's important that they are active, no matter if it's with the first squad or not.

Playing in Europe, at any level, is tough and there's a reason why they are there.

B/R: Don't you think it would be better for the national team to have footballers who play on a regular basis, even if they are from the Liga MX?

AR: Maybe. But the quality of those playing overseas is really good. They leave for Europe because of that.

Take, for example, Argentina. Their players are both abroad and in the local league, and the minute they were in the national team, they know that the club where they play is irrelevant. They are proud, period.

Mexico have to play with the best they have, no matter if they play a lot or not. Herrera has little time to put together two teams and he needs to reach out to those who have already proven they belong.

B/R: Who's the Mexican with the most to prove?

AR: I don't think making the national team is a reason to feel pressure or to feel they need to prove themselves. They are here for a reason, because they excelled. Now, they have to do it with Mexico.

The youngsters have to give their all.

B/R: Who will be the Mexican to follow?

AR: Jurgen Damm has a lot of talent and abilities to play in Europe. He has to play well in these international friendlies to show his skills to the world.

B/R: What's your prediction?

AR: A draw with goals.

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