Fire technical director Frank Klopas (above, left) is bullish about Chicagoās new look roster, telling MLSsoccer.com that he feels like the overhauled squad is working well together, is deeply committed and is in a good position to have a solid 2011.
āI always talk about āTradition, Honor, Passion,ā because itās important,ā said Klopas, who signed 11 new players ā and counting ā this offseason. āThe new players have to understand the tradition of this team; they have to understand what it means to put that jersey on and wear it with honor.
āWe have high expectations here and the new players have to understand that and they have to be strong characters because of the pressure that creates. I feel good that all thatās across to the players. Theyāre committed to doing everything they can to reach the goals that we set forth.ā
Of course, commitment doesnāt mean much if the tactical organization isnāt there, a fact that isnāt lost on Klopas.
āWe still have to work very hard from a tactical standpoint,ā he said. āCarlos [de los Cobos, head coach] has to get across his style of play.ā
At the moment, that style of play appears to be a 3-5-2 formation. Chicago used the unique setup often in preseason and it seemed to keep the team well organized in the back, as the Fireās first team only conceded one goal in its final three preseason games.
āWeāre a team thatās very well organized that doesnāt give up a lot of opportunities,ā Klopas said. āI think you saw that in preseason and I think itāll get even better with time.ā
The setup will have its first full test this Saturday, when the Fire take on FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park in both teamsā season opener. Klopas is looking forward to the match ā and he says his team is ready.
āI feel very good,ā he said. āWeāre ready to start the season. We work very hard and weāre looking forward to the game in Dallas. Itāll be a good game and the team is ready from a physical and mental standpoint.ā
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @samstejskal.
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