Atlanta United players and coaches gathered on the pitch at the team’s training facility on Thursday morning to continue preparing for their next match. A bit shorthanded due to international call-ups, the team will have to make adjustments and accept the “challenge,” according to manager Ronny Deila.
“This is a great opportunity for us. This is a tough game, but at the same time we have shown that we can match up with anybody,” Deila said. “We are a strong team and the starting 11 is strong.”
Atlanta will travel to Cincinnati for a Saturday afternoon match (2:30 p.m.) before returning home to play three consecutive home matches against Deila’s former team, NYCFC, Dallas, and New England.
Attacking midfielder Alexey Miranchuk also took questions from the media following training. Miranchuk has been the focus of a lot of internet noise regarding his play this season, but when Deila was asked if Miranchuk was playing up to his expectations, the manager said Miranchuk “could do more,” but was also “getting sharper and sharper” as the season went on.
Miranchuk compared the current state of the team – three goals in four games, one win in four games- to being in a fight. The Russian designated player said he and his teammates could use the match in Cincinnati to start over in a way.
“I can say, we get knocked down and now it’s time to get up and perform,” Miranchuk said.
“We will go out and take the opportunity,” Deila said.
