On the break:
“Great. I think we managed to get some rest into the guys, got a couple of guys that are starting to get back a little bit, so we’re really pleased. The training, I think, the last few days, I’ve been really encouraged by the level of intensity in the training, so it’s been very good.”
On the excitement facing New England:
“Look, I think it’s a fantastic occasion for us, to be able to have an MLS team come to Louisville. And obviously to host, I think, our last experience obviously with Chicago a couple years back where we actually played very well on the night, we were very unlucky not to get it at the end of the game. So, I think for us, it’s fantastic that we’re going to be able to play against an MLS team and play in front of our own supporters, it’s something we’re all excited about.”
On his expectations for a ruckus atmosphere:
“I hope so. I think our supporters do a great job of making it a pretty intimidating place. Our supporters have been fantastic since our time here, I think they really get behind the guys, the passion that they bring. It’s a game we’re really excited for, and I think everyone is looking forward to it.”
On the challenges of facing New England:
“I think they have a lot of quality, they have a lot of pace in the team. I think the challenge for them and for us is trying to figure out what their team will be. Obviously, they played on a Wednesday, played Saturday, they play us, then they play Chicago… So, for them, maybe trying to figure out squad rotation, I’m sure that’s going to be something they spend a lot of time discussing. For us, then, trying to try to gauge which ones do we think may play, which ones do we think may not play. And honestly, we could drive ourselves mad trying to figure that out so, it’s, again, control what you can control, which is our training and our level of performance and try to be ready for that, and you know whatever team they put out there they’ll be full of quality and full of pace I’m sure.”
On what a win would mean to the club:
“Look, I think any sort of round of the Open Cup garners a lot of national attention as well, so I think that’s something for our players, there’s a desperation to go and perform well against an MLS team. I think, when you look at our guys, they obviously have aspirations to go and play in MLS, and now to play against an MLS team, it’s a great opportunity for our guys to go and showcase their talent. Hopefully, they can perform at the levels that they have been, and we can all be very proud of the performance.”
On playing at Lynn Stadium:
“Well, again, we’re very thankful to everyone at U of L for allowing us to play there, very appreciative of the fact that they’re kind enough to let us go ahead and utilize that stadium. So again, a massive thank you to everybody there. Certainly, we’ve enjoyed our games there previously that’s for sure.”
On the scheduling and how it affects goals by this break or that:
“We don’t have long-term goals, when we’re actually trying to look at things, we’re more a case of next game, but obviously when you don’t have a game at the weekend, that’s something that you try to prep and plan for. But again, it was an unknown really, because you’re never quite sure in a cup competition, are you still going to be in the cup competition or are you going to be out? For us, it’s more a case of just, you know, week by week making sure our process is the same, and that there’s a real intention about our work ethic and our intensity.”
On what he did in the off week:
“The guys actually got some days off, which was lovely. I think badly needed for a number of guys, so we managed to get a couple that are starting to near fitness. Still, Richard [Ballard], he’s getting closer, he’s not quite there…[Shaun] Franno’s doing a little bit better…so we’ve managed to get the guys that had aches and pains, to get them sort of back on the, I would say, on the fence, really, where they’re close but maybe not quite ready. A couple of others that have picked up little niggles so we’ll have to wait and see who they are. But again, it’s part of it, it’s the way it goes.”
