We cannot blame Alistair Johnston for not being consistent with his remarks. And above all, to be wrong.
Posted at 5:27 p.m.
Updated at 6:03 p.m.
The CF Montreal defender mentioned to The Pressat the very beginning of the season – on March 17, to be exact – that the chemistry at the ramparts of the team “was going to settle over time”.
It is that at the time, the Montreal eleven had just lost its first three games. And had allowed eight goals in the meantime. To finally let 23 pass in the first 13 games.
But since then, the defense has gradually sealed off, with 18 goals allowed in the last 13 games. CFM has three shutouts in its last seven games, a streak in which it has gone undefeated. His last immaculate record came last Saturday, after a 4-0 win over the New England Revolution at Stade Saputo.
Which brings us to Tuesday, at Center Nutrilait. Johnston showed up in front of the mics after an unpleasantly rainy practice session. But he, as always, smiled.
“With a group of defenders, you need time,” he agrees, remembering our interview earlier this year. And now we have found our momentum. »
And time, he had. Johnston is CF Montreal’s iron man. He appeared in the club’s 26 games in MLS, 24 of which as a starter. We teach him the thing on Tuesday.
“It’s proof that the coaching staff believes in me,” he says. It also means that I do the right things off the field, to keep my body healthy. […] I feel my legs, and I admit that it makes sense! They’re a little tired, but we’re almost there. We are very excited to go for a final push. »
” Confused ”
Alistair Johnston and Gabriele Corbo were acquired in the off-season. They were added to a defensive corps that had nevertheless established itself well in 2021, notably consisting of Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman, Zachary Brault-Guillard and Rudy Camacho.
The Canadian international has no difficulty saying it: the Montreal defense was a bit “confused” at the start of the season.
“When the team had the ball, we didn’t really know where to position ourselves defensively,” he explains. Should we be helping up front? Or rather to go there with a resolutely defensive cover? Now we have found our niche: if the game is on your side, you can go help. […] We ended up all being on the same page. »
“We can see now that our cover is there. We understand that if Joel steps forward, Kamal will take his place. It’s just to really understand the system. »
Joel Waterman is another who has risen to prominence this season. Until becoming one of the players with the most constant performances of the team. Like Johnston, he talks about the “time” needed to adjust to the system. And gives the example of the last match against the Revolution.
“Before, we allowed goals a little too easily, analyzes Waterman. Against New England, we gave everything. We defended our box well. That’s what it takes to get shutouts. And we are ready to do it. »
“We’re having a good time”
This improvement does not happen by itself. Alistair Johnston speaks in particular of assistant coach Laurent Ciman using the term “master builder”, or ” mastermind “.
“He is the one who takes the most in-depth look at central defenders and side defenders, judge number 22. He talks to us a lot and he has a lot of experience. »
Johnston and Waterman also mention the name of Kwame Ampadu, another assistant to Wilfried Nancy.
“Both have helped me tremendously over the past two years,” Waterman said. They have been very important in this evolution of defense this season. They gave me confidence, showed me some habits I had on the pitch and corrected my mistakes. »
The nice mockery is also never far from the mouth of Alistair Johnston.
In training, Ciman “wants to show that he still has skills,” laughs the defender. “Whatever the challenge we give ourselves, he always wants to participate.
“And there’s always Kwame, in the background, making funny comments. Today he had three coats and a toque. I could not believe it. We’re having a good time with the coaching staff. »
And this, even during a sad and heavy downpour that will not fade from the whole training session.
Waterman waits his turn
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Joel Waterman
Alistair Johnston “doesn’t have any exclusive info” on whether Joel Waterman will finally get his chance with the Canadian team at the September camp. On the other hand, he brings his own idea to the question.
Because with Johnston and Kamal Miller already from Montreal, the addition of a third defender playing in the metropolis with the national team would be particularly welcome, he believes.
“The chemistry is there,” says Johnston. And I know that’s on the minds of Canada’s coaching staff. »
“Joel has been incredible this season,” he adds. He was so regular. However, he has to watch out for yellow cards because he likes to accumulate them, it seems! It’s funny because it’s a small world. He already knows several of the players of the selection. He grew up and played with them. It wouldn’t be strange for him to fit into our dressing room. »
What does the main interested party think?
“It would be great, but it’s not my responsibility, raises Waterman. […] I have to get my first selection first. But it would be a dream for me to play with these two guys in the national team. »