When he crossed swords with the Columbus Crew on the 1is Last May, CF Montreal was still little known to MLS observers, and probably also to its rivals. This time is now over.
After 26 games, CF Montreal (10-9-7) remains at the height of the fight for a place in the playoffs, despite losing 2-1 Saturday night to the Crew. We also feel that it imposes more and more respect.
It can be seen in comments emanating from all over MLS, such as those on Saturday night from Crew head coach Caleb Porter, who claimed to have the utmost respect for the work of Wilfried Nancy. and its players since the start of the season.
This respect leads CF Montreal rivals to make changes to their style of play. At least that’s what the head coach of the Montreal team notes.
“In all humility, when we analyze the games and when we see what the teams offer when they play against our team, we see that they are adjusting to us,” said Nancy after Saturday’s game.
“I say this in all humility, it’s just a fact. Today [samedi], this was the case at the level of Columbus. They played their game, but with adaptations compared to us. It has also been done in the past with other teams, ”he added.
By the way, Wilfried Nancy took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of his players.
“I would say that for my ego and for the ego of coaching staff, that’s good, but again, all the honor goes to the players because they are able to put into practice what is offered to them. The idea is to find other solutions to be able to win these matches like tonight, because tonight, we could have won the match. “
According to midfielder Samuel Piette, there is no doubt that CF Montreal has gained ground since the start of the season. The team succeeded, he said, by forging an identity.
“Of course, at the start of the year, we surprised a lot of people. Before the season started, we were put last in the famous power rankings “, He first recalled.
“We changed our style of play a bit, we worked very hard to bring this playing identity there. Now, it’s sure that, at the end of the season, the teams start to know us. […] We are a threatening team, which plays good football. The teams do their duty and watch us before facing us. “
Piette and his teammates must now look to a week that could prove crucial to the fate of CF Montreal, with duels against the New England Revolution, already qualified for the playoffs, and Atlanta United.
The good news for CF Montreal is that these two meetings – Wednesday and Saturday – will take place at the Saputo stadium.
“These are big games, that’s for sure”, recognized Piette.
“You have to try to collect as many points as possible so as not to suffer too much at the end of the year. Again, it plays out on the two, three [derniers matchs], even the last game of the season to see if we will qualify for the playoffs. “
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