Quotes: Kellyn Acosta on new teammates, his role and more
Before sitting down with sponsors at the Chicago Fire foundation’s annual preseason luncheon, Kellyn Acosta took time to talk about his new teammates, his leadership role with the team, the importance of the club being connected to the community, and more.
Be sure to also check out our exclusive interview with Acosta from just over a month ago, where we spoke to Kellyn about working with Berhalter again, his expectations for the season, and what he thought he needed to do to be play for the U.S. Men’s National team under Mauricio Pochettino.
On first impressions of Bamba
“Yeah, obviously, he’s a guy that, you know, I’ve watched from afar in his time at Celta. He’s a guy that’s done tremendously well. He settled in right away. I was actually quite surprised that his English isn’t too bad, actually, so I was able to communicate with him. He adds a dynamic to our front line that I don’t say we lacked, but it’s a different dimension and he’s a player that can hurt other teams. So I’m excited to have him on board, excited that he’s on the good side rather than the other side. So now, we’re looking forward to having him, and hopefully it’s a huge season for him.”
On his assessment of Rominigue Kouamé
“Yeah we just got a few minutes [of playing time together] because he just got in, but he’s a player that’s going to help us tremendously. A guy that’s very mobile; left footed guy. We don’t have many left-footed players but he’s a guy that likes to get in to tackle, a guy that likes the ball and I think it’s going to be tremendous for us. I’m excited to have him on board.
On the turnover in the offseason
“Sometimes change is good. I think it’s kind of a reset. But, I think it’s a fresh start, fresh energy, fresh everything, with new coaching staff, new players and personnel, new roles within the team. I think it’s huge. It’s a great start for us.”
On the Fire’s work via its foundation
“I think it’s a testament to the team. I think it’s great for us to leave the community a better place than we found it, and we’re excited to continue building the community and bettering the whole environment. We’re excited to meet a bunch of new faces [at the luncheon] but obviously, raised a lot of money to help do different events throughout the city.”
On his leadership role
“Surprisingly, I'm only 29. I feel like I'm like the old guy, but I'm a veteran within the league, so I feel like I can pass down some knowledge. But obviously, being a guy that Gregg [Berhalter, head coach] knows he's going to lean on me to help echo his sentiments within the team. And for me, I think it's. We're all leaders within the team at different capacities, so it's important for us to help each other. We're better together, and so, you know, my job is to help all those around me.”
On Berhalter’s tactics and expectations
“I think there’s similarities in terms of tactics [compared to Berhalter’s system with the U.S. Men’s National Team], but there’s a difference between club and national team level, in terms of just, working with individuals each and every day, you’re able to help communicate what you want to get out of the system.”
“I think guys have really bought into it. I think it’s been great thus far, and I feel like he’s putting everyone into a position to succeed. I feel like guys were super comfortable, super, super confident, super positive, and we’re hoping to carry that to the first part of the season.”
“I think [the role Berhalter is expecting] is familiar. I think from my standpoint, he’s going to lean on me to be, you know, a guy that can help the leadership within the team, and you know, I expected that out of myself. I just want to help the team as best as I can and whatever the team needs is what I’m willing to do.”
