Mexico head coach Ricardo Ferretti (orange top) leads his players to the Rose Bowl at halftime of their CONCACAF Cup match against the USA on October 10, 2015, in Pasadena, California. (Photo: Mexsport)

PASADENA, California – Ricardo Ferretti was given a task and he accomplished it with impressive results. 

The Tigres manager was named Mexico’s interim head coach on August 24, replacing Miguel Herrera, who was relieved of his duties following a post-Gold Cup physical altercation with a media member in July. 

Less than two months later, Ferretti guided the Tricolor to a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup thanks to 3-2 win over the United States in the CONCACAF Cup on Saturday. 

“First off, I want to congratulate (U.S. head coach) Jurgen Klinsmann and his players who played a good game. They were a dignified opponent,” the 61-year-old said after the game. “I feel good, at peace, happier than when I got here. I feel pleased for having come through with what we were entrusted to do, which was achieve this passage to the Confederations Cup. Delivering good things leaves me at peace and very satisfied.” 

Ferretti, who had been generous with praise of his players prior to the encounter at the Rose Bowl, stressed the total team aspect of the accomplishment.

“I cannot tell you if there was one key, there are a lot of things that have to be managed,” the former Pumas star continued. “The players take a series of decisions and one from afar has to support them constantly. 

“I liked the team a lot, its personality, its approach. For a coach, independent of the scoreline, it is satisfying that your team does things well. I feel pleased. It’s an earned result for what they did, what they sought to do. And, I believe over the course of 120 minutes, we deserved to take home the triumph. Thank God for giving us this.” 

With his spell in charge expected to end after Tuesday’s friendly against visiting Panama in Toluca, Ferretti once again expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Mexico. 

“I am always going to be indebted because Mexican football and Mexico has made me a better human,” he finished. “I am always going to be grateful, as a nationalized foreigner, always indebted. You have to congratulate the players. They are the ones who got the ticket to the Confederations Cup.”