Bev Priestman wants Canadian players to be themselves while pushing for Olympic spots

Bev Priestman's message to her squad during the international window is clear: just be yourself.

The Canadian women's national soccer team coach doesn't want her players to put additional pressure on themselves as they fight for roster spots in two upcoming pre-Olympic friendlies against Mexico.

The No. 9-ranked Canadians host No. 31 Mexico on Saturday afternoon at Montreal's Saputo Stadium before a rematch on Tuesday at Toronto's BMO Field.

"In these moments you can really tense up as a player, and I think that's the last thing I want," Priestman said Friday. "The competition's there, you don't need to talk about it. It's real, I see it every day.

"Trust me, I've walked off every training session scratching my head [about roster decisions], but at the end of the day, I know I just have to pick the team that will help Canada get on that podium."

WATCH l Priestman analyzes the three teams Canada will face in the group stage in Paris:

Priestman named a 25-player squad for the two games against Mexico and said she plans to use every substitution to give everyone an opportunity. Only 18 players plus four alternates will travel to Paris for this summer's Olympics.

Canada is expected to play more exhibitions in Europe during the July 8-16 FIFA international window before opening its Olympic tournament July 25 against New Zealand. Priestman expects to name her squad at the end of June.

"I just want to see players bring their own identity," she said of the Mexico games. "I don't want to do anything different and I want them to work hard for the team.

Priestman notably invited eight forwards and one forward/midfielder to camp. One of the attackers hoping to make her mark in front of friends and family Saturday is Evelyne