Juan Pablo Angel and his Red Bulls aiming to be No. 1 in 2009
The Red Bulls held their annual media day yesterday, and statements were the overriding theme.
Coming off the first MLS Cup final in their history, the team wants to use Thursday’s opener in Seattle as a statement game. And coming off the first performance-enhancing drug suspension in league history, keeper Jon Conway missed a golden opportunity to make his own statement.
“It is (a statement game). We know the pressure is on for us, because we have a responsibility that we want to do well this year,” said captain Juan Pablo Angel. “We would like to get it right. We want to send a statement that the way we want to play and the things we want to see, we have to do it and this is the first one.”
Despite a surprising _ and fortuitous _ run to the final, coach Juan Carlos Osorio and sporting director Jeff Agoos spent the offseason taking pressure off Angel by adding pace up front (striker Dominic Oduro, winger Khano Smith) and building depth and competitive balance (midfielder Alberto Celades, right back Carlos Johnson).
“With the inclusion of Albert we have experience in midfield, someone more than capable of keeping possession. With Carlos we have a fullback who can get up and down in the flanks. With Khano and Dominic we have plenty of pace, and guys that play on both flanks,” Osorio said. “I am optimistic. I think we’re well-prepared.
“We’ve strengthened in every position. I think we have a well-balanced team, a better team in my opinion. But now we have to perform. The guys have to come and play and show that I’m correct. That’s the best part of this job, to prepare your team for when the games really count. Thursday’s game is a huge opportunity for this club to make an early statement. That’s how we’ve been preparing for it, and hopefully the players will be up for it.” Celades _ who won 14 titles at Barcelona and Real Madrid, including the 2002 Champions League _ will add vision and passing in the midfield alongside Jorge Rojas. But at this point, Osorio felt he’s likely only ready to play 45-50 minutes, and the 33-year-old said he still hasn’t gotten his visa yet.
“I played in Spain and at some of he best clubs in the world, but for me it is a new experience. It is a challenge for me,” said Celades. “I arrive with a good mentality to play and I hope to enjoy my fellow players and the supporter.”
Johnson said his injured elbow is OK but he’s still awaiting his P-1 visa, so Osorio doesn’t expect the Costa Rican newcomer to play until the March 28 home opener vs. New England.
The Red Bulls couldn’t comment on El Salvadoran left back Alfredo Pacheco, but sources indicate they’re hoping to iron out a loan deal with CD FAS for left back Alfredo Pacheco either today or tomorrow. While Pacheco clearly wants to play here, hashing out the details with FAS has been the hold up.
In other news, the club is hiring a full-time strength and conditioning coach, and is interviewing for a full-time scout. The scout would be U.S.-based, but would scout players worldwide, and would eventually set up network of consultants in South America and Africa. As far as I know, Toronto has the only other full-time dedicated scout in MLS.
Agoos also said he felt it likely that the Red Bulls would sign an academy product this season. You guys know the usual suspects: Dilly Duka, Saint-Cyr Widner and Matt Kassel are the obvious ones.
More to come later. But what do you think of the latest news? Glad they’re not trying to manage expectations, but are welcoming them? Worried Johnson, Celades, Conway and Khano Smith are all out for the opener? Fretting that something will go wrong with the Pacheco deal? Holla at us….