Facing a quick turnaround in the midst of a busy May schedule, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke on Tuesday about some of the challenges the squad is facing down a pair of starters for the Inter Miami CF game. These are our Founders Brewing Co. Pressing Points.
Reset in Miami
When Inter Miami CF comes to Subaru Park on Wednesday night, fans can expect a very different team than the one they saw in 2021.
“The scouting report was completely different than it was last season in terms of the personal,” Curtin said. “You are starting to see some of those ideas and a strong culture come out and a real commitment on their players.”
One reason for building this new culture and new strength in the team might be their coach Phil Neville who brought a lot of new faces in the team and made them a lot more dangerous for their opponents. One of the pieces has been forward Leonardo Campana who has scored or assisted seven the Herons last eight goals.
“We still see at team that is really, really organized. Is all kind of pressing together. They counter press really well as a group. And when they do get the ball when you give them time they can really pick you apart.”
Changes coming on Wednesday
The starting XI will have some changes from the rivalry contest against New York Red Bulls with Jose Martinez and Julian Carranza out for very different reasons. Martinez will miss the midweek clash due to yellow card accumulation while Carranza is out due to the terms of the loan agreement between the Union and Inter Miami CF.
“My message is always to just to your job first and foremost so if every guy of our group just plays good, they don’t have to be great. If everybody is just good we are at our best. If we have three or four guys have an off night and have a dip and they are just average or below average it is hard for us to win. That’s what makes us a true team.”
Curtin also ruled out Mikael Uhre from the match saying that the Danish forward is “improving but still not quit ready to help us tomorrow”.
The absence will provide large opportunities for the Union’s two remaining forwards in Sergio Santos and Cory Burke.
”We need a spark right now, we need a big performance tomorrow in terms of how we create chances and actions in front of goal.”
