SOCHI, Russia -- Full-back Miguel Layun says Mexico has had to become "hermetic" in the face of criticism at the Confederations Cup and launched a staunch defense of coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

Mexico qualified for the semifinals of the Confederations Cup on Saturday, following a 2-1 victory over host Russia, but the campaign hasn't been without complications, with the media unhappy with the team's performance against New Zealand.

Layun believes the players and coach Osorio can't win with the perceived inconsistencies in the coverage of El Tri.

"We've learned to be hermetic, to focus on those types pf situations [and be] more united," Layun said in an interview with ESPN on Monday.

Layun also backed Osorio to elevate the level of the national team and said he thinks the Colombian manager has more faith in Mexican talent than some Mexicans.

"We believe in him because he believes in us," Layun said. "It's difficult to understand that someone from outside believes in us more than people from [Mexico]."

Porto defender Layun, who turned 29 on Sunday, added: "He believes in the Mexican player, he speaks in a positive way, he pushes and has knowledge to improve Mexican football."

Miguel Layun has defended the play of Mexico, which has fallen behind in all three group games. Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

One of the central complaints in Mexico has been about Osorio's rotation policy, with El Tri using 22 players over the three Group A matches in Russia.

Layun admitted that the rotation of players -- including star names -- took some getting used to, but that the group is now fully buying into Osorio's ideas.

"Maybe at the start we were distracted by the rotations, and the ego wanted to be on the field, but we've got rid of the taboo," Layun said. "We understand that we are all a part of this and that if the person next to me is well, I am too."

Mexico arrived in Sochi on Monday and is set to train on Tuesday afternoon.

Before setting off for Thursday's semi against Germany, El Tri had one final training session in Kazan, with defender Diego Reyes missing out through injury and striker Javier Hernandez not playing a full part, though the latter is expected to be fine for the match.