Training camp | CF Montreal and its elephants in the room

Even if it’s sometimes awkward, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. The problem is that there are several elephants at CF Montreal and they are never in the room where there are microphones.

The list of topics that could be discussed Wednesday after the CF Montreal training session was well stocked: Kei Kamara took part in his first full training session in front of the media, Kamal Miller could talk about his participation in the World Cup and the possible departure of Joaquín Torres seems to materialize.

However, it was Samuel Piette, as jovial as usual, and Nathan Saliba who were the lambs sacrificed. However, that very morning, the plan was to make Miller available. However, after a grueling two and a half hour training session, the Canadian centre-back had to go “to the physiotherapist”, according to the club. He was therefore unavailable.

Concerning Kamara, we made it known that it would not be possible to speak to him on Wednesday. Recall that the head coach of the CFM, Hernán Losada, said he was “disappointed” when his striker had let down for training on Monday. Kamara also missed nearly two weeks of training camp after making a request to be traded on Twitter. He has not commented since.

And it was difficult to discuss with Torres, since he was not present. If MLS insider Tom Bogert’s trade announcement that sends him to the Philadelphia Union isn’t enough, Torres posted a video of the City of Montreal on Instagram along with a message saying : ” thank you “.

It was therefore Piette who found himself commenting on the news despite himself, and this, in an uncomfortable position. So much so that no questions were asked during the first 10 seconds of his press scrum.

When asked to comment on Torres’ impending transfer by a colleague, Piette contrasted with the age-old mystery hovering over the team.

Good. It is said.

Piette then braved another storm. One of the narratives that will be followed during the season is the reputation of Losada, who is said to be uncompromising in terms of physical form.

“It’s very intense. We work maybe more without the ball than we did with Wilfried [Nancy]. But the intensity remains the same and personally, I don’t see too much difference between the two coaches,” he noted straight away.

Piette then launched a small arrow towards the players who wore the colors of DC United under the Losada regime.

The players have not been spared physically over the past few days, but Losada is ready to suffer with his troops. After taking part in the race – “the least pleasant part” – with the group on Tuesday, the Argentine pilot joined in a simulated seven-on-seven match. Actions that have virtues, according to Piette.

“He wants to motivate us. He wants to show that we are all in the same boat. He was a player, so he knows what it is. […] I also find that by participating in the exercises, he sees certain details and why certain players act in a certain way. Me, I think it’s a good thing, ”analyzed Piette.

The team will continue its training camp in Montreal until February 4th. She will then fly to Florida for the second part of her camp and will play four preseason games in this portion.

Saliba wants to try her luck

Nathan Saliba spoke for the first time with the Montreal media. He nevertheless displayed his colors for the next campaign. He will do everything to save minutes.

The midfielder, who has no guarantee for the number of minutes he will play this season, has not even discussed a loan to the Canadian Premier League. He sees himself making a place for himself this season. “In my opinion, I have the qualities necessary to make the group,” he said.

He hopes to be able to emulate the successes of his good friend Ismaël Koné, with whom he has kept in touch. “These are stories that will dream. »