(Montreal) Like some great wrestlers, Samuel Piette wisely chose the song on which he was going to make his debut at the launch of the CF Montreal season. She had to represent the character.
Last player to cross the bench of supporters gathered at Club Soda on Tuesday evening to go on the boards, the new captain of CF Montreal was treated to the warmest welcome of the evening. Like Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and The Rock, as soon as the Repentignois theme song sounded, the crowd immediately went wild.
Between all the cries of the supporters, the song Family of the rap group keb Alaclair Ensemble was heard. Piette carefully chose this song – a work from Quebec with a good rhythm and especially because of its theme – to take his first steps as official captain.
Since the departure of Jukka Raitala in January 2021, the CFM has employed a few co-captains, including the Quebec defensive midfielder. It was Mauro Biello, ex-captain and former Impact head coach, who made the transfer of power.
PHOTO CATHERINE LEFEBVRE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The atmosphere at Club Soda was heated on Tuesday evening during the presentation of the players.
In his seventh season with the Montreal club, Piette will have to embrace more than ever the role of big brother in the locker room. The team lost several key cogs in the offseason and entered the season with three straight road losses. On the eve of its return to Montreal on Saturday evening at the Olympic Stadium, the team must avoid a fratricidal war at all costs.
It’s going to be important to stay united as is the case right now. Not to start pointing fingers at others. It is this solidarity that made our strength last year.
Samuel Piette
Just like in the room, Piette ensures that the atmosphere in the locker room is excellent. We can easily attest to the rounds of applause that were heard throughout the evening. We can also mention the performance of the crowd, who shouted out the emblematic song Come on, Montreal as a musical interlude throughout the event.
“It’s a big dose of love” which Piette never tires of. “It’s a feeling of pride and honor [d’être accueilli comme ça]. It’s always so special and you never get used to it. You savor it every time. »
CFM President Gabriel Gervais is the first to praise Piette in her new role and give her another dose of love.
PHOTO CATHERINE LEFEBVRE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The president of the CFM, Gabriel Gervais
We are so proud of Sam. He has worked so hard and he always leads by example. You don’t see it, but he’s one hell of a behind-the-scenes leader. Trust me, he deserves that captain’s armband.
Gabriel Gervais
The question remains whether the 28-year-old can be in Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Union. Piette missed the last game of his team after being injured in a clash against Austin FC on March 4.
The principal concerned said that his presence for the meeting was yet to be confirmed. He trained Tuesday morning at the Olympic Stadium, but away from his teammates. “You want to play the first game at home, but you shouldn’t rush things,” he summed up.
A salutary return to Montreal
After three weeks of training camp in Florida followed by three straight road games, Samuel Piette was more than happy to finally spend a full week in Montreal. “It feels good,” he confirms.
I know that’s no excuse, but coming home is precious. I have confidence for the game on Saturday.
Samuel Piette
Despite CFM’s record, Gervais confirmed that the club had already sold “the equivalent of a sold-out Saputo stadium” for the match against the Union. Even if more than 20,000 supporters are expected, the president wants to see more people at the Olympic Stadium: “We need our fans. Especially now, because we are in a bit of a dip. »
A support that will be important, while the CFM will play its first local game during its season of the 30e club anniversary.
Without a home jersey to start the season
The president of CF Montreal, Gabriel Gervais, would have liked to unveil the new home jersey of the Montreal club at the start of the season. However, said jersey is not about to be unveiled, and the club will play with its away jersey, the gray and blue one, until further notice. The arrival of the jersey “is still too far away” to establish a timetable. As a reminder, CF Montreal had to postpone the release of the jersey due to an inscription in an indigenous language that was not approved by the new president.