The time between CF Montreal and its first match of the season against Orlando on Saturday can be counted almost in hours. Until then, Laurent Courtois will use every second to refine certain details with his players, in order to arrive ready.
CF Montreal did not win any of its preparatory matches during its visit to Florida. However, Courtois is not worried ahead of the start of the new campaign. For him, each training session, or friendly match, is an opportunity to implement his system, win or lose.
“We really experienced, especially in the last match, all the quality images of this group and how fragile it can be if we don’t take care of the fundamentals on which we have agreed,” explained the Frenchman to members of the media on Tuesday.
The fact remains that in this quest for improvement, the pre-season results were rather disappointing, notes the coach: “It is clear that the results were not there during the friendly matches, even if we can cut them into several sequences. The last thing I wanted was for us to have quiet or peaceful friendly matches in terms of results. »
PHOTO JEAN-FRANÇOIS TEOTONIO, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
CF Montreal coach, Laurent Courtois
Attacker Ariel Lassiter comes to the same observation. According to him, the preparation went without any major hitch, but the match results fell short of expectations. We must forget and start again on a new basis. “We try to adapt and create new habits that are different from last year. We do completely different things and we also play completely differently. We have a new style of play, perhaps more entertaining. We also know exactly what we want. Saturday will be our real first test. »
Ready for Orlando
This new style of play, which Lassiter mentions, is defined as being more explosive, faster, more aggressive. Which obviously appeals to the 29-year-old striker. “It’s this new mentality of connecting with the middle, thanks to my speed and my explosion, no matter where the ball is on the court. But in every game during the season, my offensive skills will come out naturally. »
The idea is “not to go overboard,” says Courtois.
PHOTO JEAN-FRANÇOIS TEOTONIO, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
CF Montreal training camp in Orlando
We must, he maintains, “feel comfortable […] to recognize when to make the game you want to see and when it’s time to move on. It’s about finding that happy medium together between style of play and being competitive. »
The coach did not comment on the possible composition of his lineup for the opening match of the season. However, some players were spared during the preparatory matches to prevent or cure certain health problems. “We didn’t want to take any risks,” he said.
However, everyone returned to training on Tuesday, he confirmed. “The sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday are the most intense on many levels and from the moment the player is unable to be 100%, we are not going to put him at risk. »
Although he did not want to compromise on the condition of certain players still representing doubtful cases, Courtois nevertheless confirmed that Samuel Piette, Victor Wanyama and Joel Waterman will exchange the captain’s armband during the season.