United head coach Ben Olsen talked to media ahead of the 2018 MLS regular season. The Black-and-Red are in Clearwater, Fla., for preseason camp before they kick off the season on March 3 against Orlando City SC.
On the team’s chemistry with a few newcomers…
"It’s so early in the season that players are on their best behavior so it’s always a tough time to judge the team’s chemistry. Everyone is excited to be back and get to know their new teammates."
On Brillant and Ousted’s leadership roles…
"Being a leader is going to be a part of Frédéric's and David’s roles on this team. We spoke to both of them about the slight leadership void on this team and how we expect them to fill that. Fred is not going to be a rah-rah guy but he can lead with his composure, experience and knowledge of the game. David has a personality on the field, a vocal presence and experience to help him be a leader. So I think both players will be key components on the field and it will dictate how we are as a group off it."
On Ian Harkes’ USMNT experience…
"Ian came into preseason camp sharp after his national team experience. We’re asking more out of Ian this year…not only to be a good connector in the midfield but also to help us on the offensive end and provide us with more on the defensive side as well. We’ve discussed that with Ian and it’s pretty clear the areas we want to see more out of him. He’s the kind of player that absorbs information well and more times than not he adds our coaching points to his game."
On Frédéric Brillant…
"We were looking for an experienced and composed central defender that can defend, get us out of trouble and help with build-up play out of the back. We were very excited to see that he was available and that we were able to add him to the squad this year. I’ve been impressed so far and he’s met all of our expectations for his abilities on the field. I think he’s going to be a really nice fit here."
On Taylor Kemp’s health status…
"We anticipate him being full incorporated into training on Monday. He didn’t come into camp 100 percent but each day he’s making strides and were at the point where we think he’ll be ready for full sessions on Monday. He’s been through a majority of the training; we’re just being safe with him right now. He’s still able to do all the fitness aspects of preseason. We’ve just been playing it safe in some of the live segments of training."
On having a young core of players in the USMNT setup…
"I think this January Camp was different than most. David Sarachan did a great job at managing the camp. The camp wasn’t as long, there were less games and the training load wasn’t as intense. It was a great opportunity for young guys to get a head start leading into preseasons with their club. All three have come back at a good fitness level and they’re all sharp in training. I think it was a great opportunity for Ian [Harkes] and Russell [Canouse] and I also think it was great for Paul [Arriola] to get back there."
On where he wants to add competition…
"We’re slightly thin at the back right now but the competition level for that center back spot is there. I’m looking to add competition at the outside back position. There’s more depth than there’s ever been in the wide and central attacking spots. It’s exciting to bring in guys like Ulises [Segura] to compete with Ian and also with some of the guys in the wide spots because he’s a versatile player. It’s also exciting to have Júnior Moreno to push Russell Canouse and Ian in the number six and number eight spots. Darren Mattocks has made a good early impression on us with his overall game…he has the ability to threaten backlines and the pressure he puts on defenders with his speed and athleticism. I’m very happy with our current depth and the competition for spots. I still think we’ll be adding a couple of pieces before the season starts and hopefully these are guys that can come in and make a real impact."
On the goalkeeper contest between Clark and Ousted…
"It’s been a lot of fun watching those two go at it. They’re going to bring out the best in each other and they’re both very capable starters in this league. They both have a personality and are charismatic in their own ways. I think they’re probably enjoying the competition too. I can assure you that they’re both going to help us throughout the season. Ultimately one will have to win the starting position but it won’t be an easy task. They’re both playing at a high level and we’re still at an early stage of preseason where we’ll figure out how those battles go over the next four or five weeks."
On Luciano Acosta as a leading attacker in the league…
"He can put himself among some of the best young attackers and playmakers in this league. He hasn’t done it yet and that’s the challenge for Lucho. Whether it’s consistency playing home and away, giving us more production from an assist and goal standpoint or being more disciplined over 90 minutes. All these are challenges for a young kid who’s beyond talented. He’s an absolute joy to watch at times but my challenge to him is to really take his game to the next level and put himself in the conversation with some of the best attackers in this league. I think he’s excited about the season and he’ll rise to the challenge. The whole team and staff are looking for some redemption here. We’re still all feeling it from last year and we want to make sure people understand that last season was a one off. He’s no different than all of us and we’re all in that boat together."
