Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke with the media ahead of his squad’s Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinal against Atlas FC. Check out a few of the top moments from his press conference.
Getting Healthy
The first question posed to Curtin in Guadalajara was a status update for left back Kai Wagner who has missed the last three matches due to a hamstring injury.
“Kai is fully healthy, fit and ready to go and ready to help,” the Union manager said. “Whether that is as a starter or reserve we’ll decide but I what the answer to that is but I won’t give our opponent any head start.”
Union fans also got even more positive news with center back Damion Lowe possibly set to contribute after not making the matchday roster for the club’s road match at FC Cincinnati.
“Damion made some good progress today as well and we’ll check in with him later today to see if he’s available to help us maybe as well which would be a big boost to our group.”
Tactical Defense
After grabbing a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Subaru Park, the Union enter the final 90 minutes knowing they are in a unique position. With the tournament giving extra benefits to away goals via the first tiebreaker, Curtin has made sure to have his squad looking to get forward should opportunities present themselves.
“I think in some ways we have to be smart in how we approach the game but we have to be brave as well,” Curtin said. “The importance of us scoring an away goal in this competition is very significant and in some ways can be the best defense. To be proactive and aggressive rather than reactive.”
While an early goal from Atlas could see their home fans expecting a repeat performance from their 4-0 home leg win against C.D. Olimpia, Curtin said the match and the scoreline present quite the tactic dynamic overall.
“We have explained to our players that if at any moment we score a goal at any point in the 90 minutes, Atlas has to score three which is really valuable,” Curtin pointed out. “It does create a unique approach to the game. If it is 0-0 and we are defending and defending and they throw numbers forward, we are the team that is feeling under pressure. If we score a goal, it shifts the whole focus.”
