As CF Montreal’s training camp begins in Arizona, new head coach Laurent Courtois believes that it is far too early to deviate from the plan he wants to instill.
“The players have to know what I want and for that, they have to experience it. It is much too early to even think about adjusting this and that, Courtois said by videoconference on Friday.
“I will communicate to them what I expect. They then have to absorb it, and on top of that there is the physical load.
“(Immediately), it’s more about getting bodies and minds used to the type of effort we’re going to be looking for, to the real workload that’s going to happen in the coming weeks. »
Courtois also discussed that one must be receptive to difficulties, if they arise.
“I firmly believe in plan A,” he said. We get to work, accepting pitfalls if there are any. It wouldn’t make sense to change anything at training camp.
The players need to hear what I have to say and then we’ll practice and practice some more.
Laurent Courtois, head coach of CF Montreal
This year, the first six CF matches will take place abroad (Orlando, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Washington and Seattle).
“It will be difficult,” admitted Courtois. On the other hand, I believe a lot in adaptation and adversity to immediately build answers. »
In the immediate future, the group is moving forward with the right state of mind.
“If we can combine having fun and letting our hearts be on the pitch, soccer solutions will come much more easily,” said Courtois, a 45-year-old from Lyon.
“The attitude of the players and staff and their good humor is contagious. It’s good vibes and that’s how we all want to work. »
Among Courtois’ eight deputies, the most recent appointment is that of Frenchman David Sauvry.
“I’ve known him for a short time,” Courtois said. It was done on the recommendation of a great mutual friend. By talking with (David), I quickly understood that he (provides) exactly what I was looking for. For the conceptualization, creation, animation and formalization of (training) sessions, it is first class. »
A former midfielder, Courtois played on several major circuits in France, Spain and England.
He finished his playing career with Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2013.
He brings a promising style as a coach, mentioned goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois.
“It’s a system that if you can master it, you can have a lot of fun,” said Sirois, whose contract was extended by three years last August. That said, it takes practice and mistakes to learn. »
In short, there is something stimulating about it.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Jonathan Sirois
It’s a great challenge. We will simply have to adapt and be very, very aggressive in defense. If we can be very good at communicating, things can go very well this year.
Jonathan Sirois
Last Friday, the Montreal club announced the squad of 32 players taking part in training camp.
Among the returning players, there are among others Sirois, Samuel Piette, Mathieu Choinière, Joel Waterman, Lassi Lappalainen, Victor Wenyama and Mason Toye.
The club arrived in Arizona this week and will train there until January 28.
After training in Montreal (January 30 to February 4), the camp will continue in Florida, from February 5 to 23.
The team will begin the season on February 24 in Orlando.
The first local match will take place at Stade Saputo on April 13, against Cincinnati.