2023-09-28 16:15:00
Hernán Losada made sure not to fan the embers of the controversy that has rocked CF Montreal since the exit of captain Samuel Piette after the scathing loss suffered against Atlanta United last Saturday, in addition to moderating expectations for a presence in the playoffs.
At a press conference Thursday morning, the head coach did not wish to elaborate on the comments made by the Quebec midfielder who notably said at the end of Saturday’s match that he and his teammates “were a little lost in the field. Especially defensively. These comments were then perceived as an arrow in the direction of the group of coaches.
On Tuesday, however, Piette admitted that his comments may have seemed “intense” and then mentioned having “set the record straight” with Losada as well as the vice-president and head of sports management Olivier Renard. For now, the subject seems definitively closed.
“Don’t count on me to use the media [afin de régler un différend avec un joueur], warned Losada. I’ve had a lot of individual meetings in the past with important players like Rudy [Camacho] and Victor [Wanyama]but these are things that have always remained internal.
“The most important thing is to talk. We must be able to give our opinion and remain very honest with each other. This is the best way to move forward. We can argue, but in the end we are all together. I repeat: I will never use the media as a solution…”
Speaking of honesty, the Argentinian technician would not consider exclusion from the qualifiers as a failure. Currently ranked eighth in the Eastern Association with 37 points, CF Montreal is neck and neck with New York City FC (37 pts), DC United (36), the New York Red Bulls (34) , Chicago (34), Charlotte (33) as well as Inter Miami (32). With only four games to play, Montrealers have their proverbial fate firmly in their hands.
“We don’t feel any pressure because no one believed we could make the playoffs. Nobody imagined us there, except ourselves, said Losada. The pressure is on these clubs who have invested millions to become champions. At the end of the season, we will be able to say that we gave everything. We are going to be happy with the season we have just had. »
A contrasting opinion from midfielder Bryce Duke, who said the playoffs were “a goal” since he joined the club in April. “It’s in our hands,” agreed the American. We know it won’t be easy, but on the other hand, it’s very exciting. »
Facing Orlando on Saturday evening, CF Montreal will find a team which is not necessarily flamboyant offensively, but which is nevertheless of formidable overall efficiency. Led by Facundo Torres, Martín Ojeda and Mauricio Pereyra, it is in second position in the East.
The men in purple have been particularly intractable at home for several months, given that their last defeat in front of their team dates back to April 22. Since then, they have a 6-0-4 record. Conversely, CF Montreal has only signed two meager wins on the road this season.
“All matches are difficult, especially those on the road. And not just for us, for several other teams in this league, recalled Losada. The tendency is to collect the majority of points at home and then avoid losing too many on the road. You just have to stay focused.
“But I believe we can take points in Orlando,” he concluded optimistically.
Losada offered few clues about the identity of his starting lineup on Saturday evening, however suggesting that several players within the squad are currently ill, including Quebec striker Jules-Anthony Vilsaint. After being left out against Atlanta, Honduran international Romell Quioto is likely to get some minutes of play on Saturday.
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