Jim Curtin spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of the Philadelphia Union’s trip to Kansas City on Sunday. He reiterated his disappointed by the result over the weekend, and knows the significance of visiting SKC and Atlanta United in back-to-back matches.
Here is a rundown of the major events:
– Ilsinho picked up a knock last match, but is fit for Sunday. All other players are fit
– Sergio Santos’s wife gave birth to a daughter on Tuesday. Uncertain if he will play over the weekend, but forwards usually seem to score after the birth of a child.
– Jamiro Monteiro joins from FC Metz on TAM, still some paperwork to be finished, unlikely he will feature this weekend. He trained for the first time with the squad on Wednesday.
– Monteiro offers versatility, and can play any position in the diamond. Curtin implied that though he could play anywhere, but is more likely to feature on one side of the diamond next to Alejandro Bedoya.
– Curtin mentioned a lack of a “bite” in midfield last weekend against Toronto, with four ball-playing midfielders featured. He wants a bit more stability defensively on the road in Kansas City. Monteiro is a guy who has a “bite” according to Curtin.
– Curtin also said there would be a couple of changes to the line up from last match. My best guess is Warren Creavalle or Derrick Jones for Ilsinho to offer protection in the midfield and maybe Sergio Santos at striker.
– Ray Gaddis didn’t get involved as much as Curtin wanted. Without any wide players he emphasized the need to keep the fullbacks involved in the attack. With a more defensive approach, Gaddis will likely feature again this weekend but Olivier Mbaizo could get a start in the near future if Gaddis doesn’t provide more in the attack.
– Derrick Jones needs to establish consistency. Curtin said he wants to use Jones, but needs to see him perform on a daily basis – in training and for Steel – before he nestles in the the starting XI.
– Curtin mentioned that last match against Toronto was the first MLS match where the ball was in play less than it was out of play. Doesn’t think it’s a good look for MLS to have so many stoppages and delays.
