CF Montreal’s development project may not appeal to all players, but defender George Campbell and goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois will undoubtedly see it as a great opportunity to seize their chance.
As the first week of the team’s camp draws to a close, Campbell got to know his new teammates and showed composure and great ball skills in the more fast-paced practices.
Acquired from Atlanta United in mid-December in return for a general allocation amount of US$400,000 in 2023, another US$200,000 in 2024 and a final conditional amount of up to US$300 $000, the 21-year-old American quickly recovered from the shock of the transaction and said he was very happy with what he has seen over the past few days.
“I love Montreal, it’s a very beautiful city. When I learned that I was traded, I was sad to leave Atlanta, but CF Montreal has played very bravely in the past. I’m glad to be here. We have a new head coach so I think that brings new energy. Several players want to show their qualities and I believe we will have a good team,” he mentioned.
Standing six-foot-two and weighing 185 pounds, Campbell sees himself as a versatile enough central defender to play as a full-back or even as a midfielder.
From 2020 to 2022, Campbell has played 36 games for Atlanta United, including 22 starts. He tallied a goal, but these statistics do not present a fair portrait of what he believes he can bring to the Bleu-blanc-noir.
After facing CF Montreal and watching a few of their matches, the American noted the involvement of defenders in creating the offense and that style seems to fit him like a glove.
“I saw CF Montreal play from the back and in the middle of the field. I love touching the ball and being involved in creating the attack so I’m looking forward to it. I have a big build. The more the season goes on, the more I hope I can be stronger and better with the ball. I hope to solidify the defensive front,” Campbell said.
His arrival adds depth on defense, but his position as a starter is far from secure at the moment. With a participation in the World Cup of soccer with Canada, Kamal Miller and Joel Waterman seem entrenched at the back, if we exclude a transfer. Veteran Rudy Camacho is also back with the Montreal troupe.
However, Campbell sees this internal competition favorably and he thinks it will allow him to surpass himself.
“Competition means a lot in sport, not just in soccer. I don’t know them personally, but I will train hard to compete and play with them. They are my teammates. I’m going to do my best to be able to play and to help the team win,” Campbell said.
The return of Sirois
Sirois, a 21-year-old Quebecer, is back with CF Montreal after being loaned to Valor FC in Winnipeg in the Canadian Premier League (CanPL). The young keeper was let in as Sebastian Breza returned to Bologna FC at the end of his loan spell.
“I would like to have a more important role within the team. I spent two years in Winnipeg and I think it’s time to show the club that I can play professional matches in Montreal in the MLS. I have waited a long time for this opportunity,” he said.
Sirois spent several years with the Montreal Impact Academy before taking charge of Manitoba in 2021. He kept the net 24 times in his first campaign with Valor FC and appeared in 19 games with the team in 2022.
Looking back, the Quebecer does not regret having made a stop in the CanPL and he takes a lot of positives out of it.
“Without this passage, I think it would have been complicated to have minutes in Montreal, underlined Sirois. In Winnipeg, I grew up as a player, but also as a person. It’s completely different to go and play in another city, to meet new people and new coaches. There is this human aspect that comes into play and these two years have been beneficial. »
Although he believes that James Pantemis may be a little ahead of him due to his good end to the season in MLS, Sirois believes that nothing is certain for the Bleu-Blanc’s number one goalkeeper position. -black.
“I don’t think anything is set in stone right now. I always have something to play for. It’s up to me to show the new head coach that I belong here and that I can play good minutes,” he said.