Developing a game project and identity doesn’t happen overnight, but progress is faster when everyone buys into that mentality.
CF Montreal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais set the tone Wednesday during his mid-season review. He hinted at a few transactions during the transfer window and, most importantly, he implied that he would “move” players who don’t want to fit into the club’s philosophy.
This was enough to start the speculations. Like Frank Columbo, some supporters tried to identify the culprits.
Head coach Laurent Courtois did not avoid the question on Friday, before his men’s training session at the Nutrilait Centre, in a way corroborating what his president said.
“Clearly, and for various reasons, there are two or three people who, for me, do not fit into the project or do not show that they want to fit into it. Afterwards, it is not the same reasons, the same beliefs and they are not at the same point in their career. There is also the coach who makes his choices,” he mentioned.
Fresh off the Copa America, striker Ariel Lassiter appears to be among those finding success in Courtois’ system. Acquired from Inter Miami CF last year, the Costa Rican is currently enjoying the best season of his career with three goals and five assists in 17 games.
At 29, Lassiter is no stranger to MLS transfers. However, he doesn’t believe the players’ performance and focus will be affected by the uncertainty of the coming weeks.
“For some of us, at this point in our careers, we know that changes can happen at any time. I don’t think it’s really going to affect what we have to accomplish on the field. We have to be ready no matter what happens,” he noted.
New acquisition
And something just happened a little over two hours after Lassiter spoke to the media.
While the Montrealers were training, the club acquired English defender Tom Pearce. The latter, who plays on the left side, immediately signed a contract until 2026, with an option year for 2027.
Pearce, 26, has spent the last five seasons with Wigan Athletic FC in League One, England’s third division. Perhaps he is the first domino?
Gervais said he wanted to target specific profiles for Courtois’ style of play. This is precisely one of the reasons that led to the hiring of Corey Wray as a sports strategy advisor.
Pearce’s arrival adds depth on the left, but Courtois also appears to be expecting movement to add depth at right-back.
“There are positions, like right-back, where we are a little lighter. With Lassi (Lappalainen), we can’t find continuity in terms of rehabilitation. So Ruan is often exposed and tired. We have a lot of attackers too, but they are often injured,” he said.
Pending further transactions, Pearce will join a club that is just one point out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite injuries, tough stretches and the departure of a few stalwarts for the Copa America.
Courtois and Gervais also agree that the Bleu-blanc-noir could have been in a much better position if they had not dropped a dozen points here and there.
Crucial points
Saturday night at Saputo Stadium, against Atlanta United (6-10-6), the opportunity will be great for CF Montreal (5-9-8) to collect crucial points against a direct rival in the East. The Georgia squad only holds a one-point lead over them, in 10e place.
Courtois’ men have not suffered a defeat in their last seven home outings, but they have only recorded two victories during this sequence. The head coach expects a more complete and consistent performance.
“I’m just looking for my guys to have the same mentality and approach for both halves,” he explained. “We talked about the turnovers against New York City FC and then against Vancouver Whitecaps we were playing too safe. We want consistency in our individual performances and open play.”
Atlanta United have lost their last two games, allowing seven goals in the process. CF Montreal, however, have been caught out a few times this season trying to get momentum going for teams going through a tough time.
“There is always a challenge with teams that are a little injured and want to redeem themselves. In addition, we have had the ability to revive teams in difficulty. It is not a good sign, but we are warned. They make a lot of position changes, they are quite fast and their goalkeeper is capable of distributing the ball well. They remain a good team despite the recent results,” observed Courtois.