MARIETTA, GA. – Last weekend in Orlando, following a second consecutive 3-0 loss on the road, Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila sounded like a man who’s out of excuses for himself and his team.
“I don’t see a lot of smiles. I don’t see a lot of communication,” Deila said. “I don’t see anybody playing on the level that I think they can do.” During training on Tuesday morning, with dozens of supporters on hand for a season-ticket holder event, Atlanta United players were all smiles during a pre-practice game of touch. The good vibes continued during ball drills and two-on-two competitions.
Following the loss in Orlando, Deila said the current situation that his team is in – Atlanta United is now 2-3-5 overall, the worst 10-game start in franchise history- can be turned around, but it’s going to take everyone involved to make that happen. If the energy on the practice pitch is any indication of the team’s mood with 24 more regular season games to play, then Deila is right.
The first-year manager said the current situation that his team is in – Atlanta United is now 2-3-5 overall, the worst 10-game start in franchise history- can be turned around, but it’s going to take everyone involved in order to make that happen.
When asked if Saturday’s match against Nashville SC, who won their most recent match against the Chicago Fire 7-2, was a must-win, Deila said it’s all relative.
“We want to win. Everybody wants to win. I’m sure Nashville wants to win as well,” he said. “It’s more about how we can perform. How we can get the best out of each other.”
Deila believes his team can win on Saturday. He said they are not only going to need maximum efforts from the players and coaching staff but also referenced the Atlanta United supporters, the 17’s. Deila said he’d like to see a large turnout of support on Saturday afternoon. Saturday’s first kick is scheduled for 2:45 p.m.
“We know we can beat Nashville, but our focus has to be on ourselves,” Deila said.
Alexey Miranchuk, who started in the midfield during the loss in Orlando, echoed his manager’s statement.
“It’s a tough situation, a different situation for all of us,” Miranchuk said. “We have to find some way to stay positive.”
Asked if this team feels like a family facing a tough situation, Miranchuk answered in the affirmative.
“Especially in this tough situation,” Miranchuk said. “You understand who you are and you have to figure it out together.”
What’s New:
Veteran defender Derrick Williams was back on the training pitch on Tuesday. Williams, a starter and key piece to the defense, missed Saturday’s match in Orlando.
Stian Gregersen and Tristan Muyumba did not participate in training on Tuesday. Gregersen was seen lightly jogging alongside a team trainer.
