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| Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo and Paul-Michael Ochoa. Used with permission from mlssoccer.app.box.com. |
On the first competitive match for the team since March 7:
"First of all, we are very excited about having an opportunity to play. Obviously, it has been a long, long time. Even for the players that have played, they had the opportunity to play two games and before that, they had not played in months. So, it has really been a long time. The players are anxious to get on the field and we can’t wait to get started.”
On the mood of the coaches and players after MLS adjusted the tournament format due to COVID-19:
“Is there worry? You always worry a little bit, of course. We feel safe. We feel like we are in a good spot. Our medical group has done an amazing job to keep us safe. I think the players have also done an amazing job in terms of staying away from where they shouldn’t be and being as professional as they can to protect each other and our families. We all owe to each other and they have done a great job with that. We are very happy with where we are and how we are doing things.”
On the chemistry of the team:
“There’s been a lot over the last three or four months in terms of developing team chemistry. Obviously, we are doing it more on the field now, we had an opportunity to do it off the field through Zoom and (Microsoft) Team meetings and that type of thing. Now, we are finally getting on the field. We are very excited about it and now it is just time to start playing.”
On the format of the tournament and being in the group of death:
“We’re going to do the best to (compete in the group of death). We are preparing to do that and I’m sure the other teams have as well. You can see in some of the other matches that the timing is off as well, for everyone. Which I think is normal and can be expected to a certain extent. Obviously, we hope on Monday that the game goes perfect for us, that is what we work towards, but I know that it has been a long time since we have played. In terms of being in the group of death, I think this is a good scenario for us. I think this is just what we need to get tested. For me as a new coach, it is important to see the best teams, how they play and where we are and how far we need to go, if it is that far at all. So, I’m excited to be in this group and to play great teams.”
On if the team has had issues with COVID-19 and the new tournament format:
“First, I think our group has done, like I said before, our medical group from even when we were in Houston – obviously, Houston being one of the hot spots in the country now. All the players and the medical group and the protocols from MLS, and internally, have put us in a very safe position to be able to do all of the things we have done. So, we feel very good about everything that has happened so far. In terms of the two teams that left and the tournament changing, obviously, as you know nothing changed in our group. Our group is still the same and if anything it has made the tournament a little more even, because the groups work out better now. So, we just have to move on. We don’t feel good about two teams not being here. We wish they could be here. I’m sure they did the best they could to participate as well. I think, this was a good decision by the league at this time.”
On his excitement to see the team play a game:
“Yeah, it is hard to explain actually. After you have been for three months on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, you don’t know if you are coaching a chess team, or if you are coaching a real team that comes out on the field and does something. So, I’m very excited to be on the field as a coach. I know if I’m excited the players are dying to get on the field on Monday.”
On what he learned from the games the Dynamo did play and the performance of the Houston Dash:
“Obviously, with the Dash, James and I are developing a good relationship as being part of the club and all of us being inclusive with each other. I follow their games, I know they are going into the last game in the group and they are 1-1-1, and they have been an exciting team to watch. I am really excited to see them in the next round and wish them from here, not just myself but the whole team, is wishing them luck going into the next round. So, there’s so much (that he learned from the first two games of the year). Unfortunately, over the last four months there is only two games we could analyze for four months, so – we looked at those games for so much. Obviously, in Kansas City we started strong, we pressed them well. Then a couple of long balls, the game opened up and we had to chase the game the rest of the time. Overall, I was happy with the team. In terms of the attitude to come out and get a result. I know that we have to improve, we have to improve on the transition side of the ball. Transition from attacking to defending has been an issue for us in the first two games. Then I thought in the (LA) Galaxy game, we had a lot of the ball, a lot of possession in the first game. Yet, we didn’t create that many opportunities. So, we have been working on that as well. Hopefully, we see on Monday some of the things we want done a little better.”
On facing LAFC without Carlos Vela:
“There’s no question, when you are missing the best player in the league it does make a difference. LAFC is one of those clubs, that unfortunately for us, has a great roster from top to bottom. They can replace them with another great player. Having said that, obviously, not seeing Vela there changes the game a little bit. He is so dangerous up front. We will stick to doing what we do, which is try to be aggressive from the beginning and focus on our team. Looking forward to playing what is likely the best team in the league.”
On the depth of the roster and player rotation:
“Yeah, I feel like we are in a good place. We’ve been preparing all 27 players that we have available here. So, I think from a fitness standpoint they are in the best place they could possibly be and that’s all 27 of them. Not just whatever the starting XI will be on Monday. So, we feel good about that part. Hopefully, a lot of the players will get an opportunity to show themselves.”
On how he is using his previous experiences get players mentally past the restrictions of the bubble:
“It is going to be difficult, this is different from anything else I have lived before. The only thing that is sort of the same is the format of the tournament. I do know how important it is for a team like ours to start the tournament on the right foot, playing well and develop more and more confidence. I think we have given the players a lot of confidence. I think we will be ready to go and I think it is important for us to start, even if we are going to play likely the best team in the league, it is important to start strong.”
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