Juan Carlos Osorio's appointment as Mexico's coach was met with a collective head scratch when it was announced. Not many El Tri fans had heard of the Colombian.
So Wednesday was the first chance many Mexicans had to hear what Osorio is all about, how he landed the job and just what he plans to do.
Here are five things to take from the former Sao Paulo boss' first news conference:
1. This is an educated and serious coach
Mexican journalists probably weren't expecting references to 19th century Scottish poet George MacDonald and Tijuana native writer Miguel Ruiz when they turned on their recorders. But pretty much as soon as he opened his mouth, everyone in the room and watching online was aware that the Colombian should be taken seriously.
From his opening statement about migrating to the United States in search of a dream and relating to Mexicans there doing the same, to his show of gratitude to previous coaches and his analysis of Mexico's recent games, there was class oozing from Osorio.
Perhaps it shouldn't have been surprising, considering that Osorio has his UEFA A coaching license and is both educated and well-traveled, but it certainly did make an impact. Osorio is clearly a different type of head coach from what Mexico has had previously.
2. He is ikely to play a 4-3-3
Osorio was direct in stating that a 4-3-3 with one central striker and two wingers is his preferred tactical layout. And it does suit Mexico's player pool.
Some of Mexico's best players -- Jesus "Tecatito" Corona, Javier Aquino, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos -- are adept at playing on the wing. The midfield trio can be filled by a combination pf Jose Juan "Gallito" Vazquez, Rafa Marquez, Jonathan dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera. That setup gives a solid heart to the team and it is an outwardly attacking, possession-based formation.
Osorio mentioned that the transitions from defense to attack will be important and that he wants to see his full-backs push up, the central midfielder to have significant influence on the game and the forwards to pressurize high up the field.
Also, considering that 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 are the formations most predominantly used by Mexico's youth national teams, it makes sense for El Tri to use one of them.
There will be flexibility from Osorio -- and he himself acknowledged that a back three is a possibility -- but the 4-3-3 appears to be a good starting point.
3. Steering away from controversy
Osorio was thankful to everyone from Mexican federation president Decio de Maria, to former El Tri coaches Ricardo La Volpe and Victor Manuel Vucetich. Questions from journalists attempted to get some juicy statements from Osorio, but they were swatted away. There was no negativity, no reference to his sudden departure at Sao Paulo and a respect for the critics that have said he doesn't deserve the job.
It appears Osorio is set to tow the line and not get involved in the kind of feuds that ended up costing Miguel Hererra his job. The former Manchester City assistant is likely to stick to talking about what happens on the field.
4. Marquez still has a place
There has been an ongoing debate in Mexican soccer since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa about just how much captain Rafa Marquez has got left to give for the national team and how he can be replaced.
Osorio threw the question back at the player, indicating it would be the Hellas Verona player's choice when he retires, as long as he maintains his form.
"Due to his experience, the number of game situations that he has encountered and everything he has achieved as a player at club and international level, he can't be left aside," stated Osorio.
Considering the sheer weight of Marquez's presence in Mexican football and the leadership role he still assumes in the dressing room -- as well as his recent good form for El Tri -- it is probably a shrewd move.
5. Youth might get a chance
Mexico's youth program continues to spawn success stories, and the fact El Tri's under-22s won the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying competition against Honduras on Tuesday didn't go unnoticed by Osorio.
The new coach praised Raul "Potro" Gutierrez for guiding his team to the Olympics and indicated that there is a "great generation" of young Mexican soccer players.
Osorio is primarily charged with Mexico making the World Cup and then advancing to the quarterfinal stage. He is under no obligation to use youngsters. However, watching how he might incorporate those U23 players that are standing out under Gutierrez and how they might eventually replace established names promises to be fascinating.