For Rudy Camacho, CF Montreal’s performance in preseason games was correct. Now is the time to face real opposition.
“It’s good to win them – we didn’t lose a game – which is a good thing. Afterwards, the preparatory matches are also made to work physically and later, at the end, tactically, ”explained the 31-year-old defender by videoconference from St. Petersburg, where the team continues its winter preparation.
“It’s a good thing we didn’t lose, but we conceded every game, I think. The teams are going to change a lot and it’s clear that it’s pre-season, but we don’t want to concede goals in season matches. It will be important to start well with these three away games. It could push us towards a good season,” he agreed.
As for last season, the experts who follow the activities of the MLS did not predict a good campaign for the Montreal eleven, who took it upon themselves to prove them wrong last year. Camacho, however, seemed to be having trouble identifying who these pundits are who still disrespect the club.
“We have nothing to prove to the experts; we have to prove ourselves and get back to last year’s level. Now, what are these experts? Twitter experts? I didn’t pay attention. I don’t know exactly who these experts are. We have to keep the same level as last year and try to do better, that’s it, ”he summarized.
The one who will begin Saturday, against Inter Miami, his sixth season with CF Montreal also believes that the expectations within the group are very high.
Now squad injuries, including Matko Miljevic’s knee injury, mean the team must find a midfielder with attacking flair and the ability to distribute the ball to ensure valuable points from the start of the 2023 campaign.
“It will be up to the ‘coach’ to decide. We have seen that Nathan (Saliba) and Sean (Rea) had good preparatory matches. They’re two guys with different styles and it will be up to the coach to decide which style he wants to play, Camacho noted. There is also Rida (Zouhir) who can help replace Matko. Now, training is one thing, but these players will have to confirm their place in the squad in matches. »
Offor wants a chance
Repatriated from his loan to Belgian club SV Zulte Waregem, striker Chinonso Offor meanwhile wants head coach Hernan Losada to offer him the opportunity to make his place in the training, decidedly looking for ‘punch ‘to attack.
“I never back down from a challenge and it’s much better to have a challenge at your parent club than at your loan club,” said the Nigerian, who did not seem very happy with his stay. in Belgium. We have several attackers who play in the same position as me. It’s never easy; I should work hard and take advantage of my opportunities. I think I did well when the coach called on my services. »
Offor thinks he has an ace up his sleeve: he was in the middle of his season in Belgium before joining CF Montreal.
“That should be an advantage, I think. I also like to believe that the coach will have this information in mind. I’ve been playing competitive matches more recently than the rest of the group. That should definitely be an advantage,” he concluded.
CF Montreal will begin its regular season in MLS on Saturday, visiting Inter Miami.