Portland Timbers and New York City FC MLS Cup presentation press conference shows mutual respect, praise, and ambition to come on top this Saturday 11, high noon match up.
Portland Timbers and New York City FC head coaches, backed up by two of their best players, represented their teams in the MLS Cup final presentation at Providence Park, OR. Giovanni Saverese, and midfielders Diego Chará and Sebastián Blanco, appeared for the Timbers, while coach Ronny Deila, had forward Valentín “Tati” Castellanos and goal keeper Sean Johnson at his side for NYCFC.
Both teams displayed massive mutual respect for each other, and recognized each other on their challenging seasons. There is plenty of reasons for it, both teams had had moments this 2021 season when their success has been put in question to say the least. But while each other praised their opponents strength, both displayed their faith in their ability to overcome pressure and rival to win this Saturday 11th final.
New York coach Ronny Deila, spoke about the challenge of playing under the pressure of one of the most praised fan atmospheres in MLS, the Portland Timbers Army, but also was certain at his team recent away record (unbeaten in 4 away games). While they will count on “Tati” Castellanos fire power, and Portland might not be able to field their star Sebastián Blanco, Deila did not take away Portland’s favorite label, besides one or another player, both teams win or lose as a group.
“Tati” Castellanos role in the game is huge, both as a modern style forward, a critical striker, but also his ability to pressure high and disrupt the opponent’s defense. Besides his individual ability to change the game, also was put forward his ability to create space for team mates to hurt their opponents.
NYCFC goal keeper Sean Johnson’s impact in the game was also a part in today’s Q/A, his excellent form, leadership and growth as put him up there with the country’s top goal keepers.
The Portland Timbers section of the press conference was marked by fact that they are playing an unlikely final in front of their fans, “It’s a dream come true”, said coach Giovanni Savarese, but without any triumphalism. The home factor is and advantage, but they still have to overcome a very dangerous rival with plenty of assets that can hurt them.
And while Diego Chará was asked about playing an MLS Cup with his brother Yimmi as a team mate, and praised the team work and hard work that made the Portland overcome serious obstacles during the season, the question keep revolving back at whether, Sebastián Blanco would be fit to play on Saturday.
Whether questions about being the home favorites, and Blanco’s form help Savarese deflect pressure from the rest of the squad, it was clear, that both coaches beyond the value that specific players bring to the game, they praise their teams based on their group power. They see football as a fierce competitive 11-man game.
This is both Ronny and New York City FC first MLS Cup final, versus Giovanni Savarese’s second. The record of match ups between Portland and New York also favors Portland with all four matched played falling in Portland’s favor. Both teams present similar season stories, and one point in common that both teams share, they never give up, and that is one amazing ingredient for a final. The final answer will be given after the referee blows final whistle this Saturday at Providence Park.
