Former USMNT, Mexico coach Bora Milutinovic declares El Tri favorites in CONCACAF Cup: "Mexico have greater quality"

Former US national team and Mexican national team head coach Bora Milutinovic has always been known for his strong opinions and outspoken personality.


The well-traveled manager laid down another such marker in an interview with FIFA.com this week, where he declared who he thinks the favorite is for Saturday's CONCACAF Cup (9 pm ET; FS1/UnivisionUDN).


"At the moment Mexico have greater quality in their squad," the 71-year-old said. "USA aren’t the same team they were a few years ago. What wins matches is the quality of your players. History doesn’t play and neither do the jerseys. If a team has greater quality and is aware of that fact, then they have to be favorites."



Milutinovic did say the US has an advantage in one area: fitness.


"Fitness could make a difference, with the players they have from the Bundesliga. On top of that Klinsmann is a very able coach and knows his players well."


The Serbian coached the USMNT from 1991-1995, leading the US to the knockout rounds of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.


He had two stints coaching the Mexican national team, the first one coming from 1983-86 and the second one coming right after his stint with the US (1995-97).


Do you agree with Milutinovic? Let us know in the comments below.

To read all of MLSsoccer.com’s coverage of the CONCACAF Cup, visitour CONCACAF Cup page.