MARIETTA, GA. – Atlanta United came into the first post-break training session of the week with more questions than answers. Atlanta is in 13th place in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference standings. With just 17 points in 18 games, only two other teams have played worse than Atlanta through the first half of the season. With 16 matches remaining in the regular season, the Five Stripes will have to play well above average to earn a postseason spot. If you’re thinking this is a lot like last year, well, you’re right.
Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila isn’t interested in what took place last year. This is hist first season as the head man for Arthur Blank’s club and he wants results now.
“I can accept losing, but the way we are losing is crazy,” Deila said after training on Monday afternoon. “You have to challenge people and challenge yourself.”
The last time Atlanta United was on the pitch was on the road at New York City FC and they lost that match 4-0. That might be a good example of what Deila meant by “crazy.” When directly referencing the four-goal loss, Deila used the word “embarrassing.”
During training on Monday the team looked loose, despite not having a number of starters available for the match in Columbus on Wednesday night. One of those players will be midfielder Ajani Fortune, who was injured during the time away from the club. On Fortune’s misfortune, Deila said, “That is a blow for him, but he is young and will come back.”
Brooks Lennon will be one of the manistays who will be available to play on Wednesday. During the break, Lennon, an avid golfer, said he tried to stay away from soccer and spent time on the golf course with family.
The Good: Lennon said the team is excited about beginning the second half of the season in Columbus on Wednesday. The Bad: Columbus Crew is one of the best teams in MLS and plays even better at home.
