OMNISPORT

IRVINE, California -- Once the Mexican national team finishes Saturday's CONCACAF Cup against the United States, and a subsequent friendly, it will likely begin a new era under new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, and while none of the 23 players on the current El Tri side have played for or worked with Osorio, a handful of U.S. players are very familiar with the Colombian coach.

Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley and Tim Howard have all previously worked with Osorio, and the general consensus about the former MLS head coach is that he is a smart man capable of handling his new job.

"I remember him being a guy that paid attention to detail," Altidore told Goal USA of the man who coached him in his final MLS season before joining Villarreal on a $10 million transfer in 2008. "He was a good guy. He was always looking to help me, especially at a young age at that time. He was really approachable, and he always looked for the team first. He always made changes that would benefit the team. I hope he's a good appointment for Mexico, and I hope he makes them a strong team."

Altidore admitted to being surprised that his former coach is set to be hired by Mexico, but the American forward believes Osorio can do the job of helping El Tri win.

"To be honest, I was excited for him," Altidore said. "I have no bad blood with him. He's a great guy and I hope he can do great things for them because, I've said it before, when Mexico does good, it's better for us and when we do good, it's better for them."

Altidore spent a half season playing for Osorio in 2008 with Osorio before his move to Villarreal. Osorio's Red Bulls went on to reach the MLS Cup final that year, losing to the Colombus Crew.

Osorio was an assistant coach with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 2000 and 2001, when Tim Howard was playing for them. Osorio left the MetroStars to join Manchester City in the summer of 2001.

Beasley played for the 53-year-old during Osorio's brief tenure as manager of Liga MX side Puebla during the 2011-12 season.

When asked to remember Osorio's coaching style, Altidore recalled the Colombian's penchant for mixing and matching lineups, but doesn't see it being a problem with El Tri.

"He does tinker," Altidore said with a laugh. "I think it's tough because at that time we were a Red Bulls team, we weren't the sharpest. We weren't the best team at the minute, so we had to try and figure out what was our best lineup. I think maybe in Mexico he'll have more of a luxury of having some quality players to choose from, so hopefully he can find what works for him and sticks with it."