Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
Thoughts on the match
“I think that was one of the best games we had here. I think we managed the game very well. I think it’s an important step up for our team in terms that we competed very well today. I think the second yellow, actually both yellows were very smart plays by the team and it’s not just unlucky action. From there I think the team was patient and was working hard switching sides which is one of the things you have to do well when you’re playing against ten in order to break them down. Because at the point they close, they come together, they become tighter and it’s difficult to play if you don’t perform well, if you’re not accurate in your passing game, in your build up and I think we did very well. The goals are just the product of that smart tactical and good shape of the team.”
On getting goals from Schweinsteiger and Nikolic
“It is very important for us that we won, this is the first consecutive two wins we’ve had in two years since I’ve been here, I’m very happy for that. I’m also very happy we closed our home game streak with a win and three points and every player on our team is important. I think that everyone is doing their job, their role, everyone is starting to understand how important the teamwork is and the role everyone is playing and from there I think when it comes to certain situations and certain qualities of our players we’ll always show up once we are done with the teamwork and team play.”
On if he’s surprised Nikolic and Schweinsteiger adapted so quickly to MLS
“I would say I’m not surprised. I think since the day we met and we had our conversation with Nelson, myself, and obviously the players, we saw the guys who were ready to come and win. The guys who are givers and who just know how to compete and win. It took some time and it always takes time for everyone to adjust, but it’s everyday work, everyday communication, and everyday trying to be better. And that’s our mentality now and something to build on and at this point the pieces are coming together better and better and they fit better. But we have to keep working this is a very important win for us for many reasons and that’s why I’m happy and I mentioned some of them but most importantly is that going back to that locker room and seeing those guys happy and confident and now feeling that we can win every single game which wasn’t the case in the past, that is something that motivates me more and that’s why we have to work and work and keep improving.”
On the performances of Luis Solignac and Michael de Leeuw
“I think most of all we did a good job in the off season. I think we built the depth in the team and the attacking midfield. We’re still working on improving the depth in the defense but with guys like Matt Polster coming back, Drew Conner, who can also give options in the defensive line. I think we can be fine. In attack, to answer your question, I think we have a lot of options and for today we believed that both Michael and Lucho can give the team the certain amount of work offensively and defensively and in the consistency in doing that was very important for us. I think the first and second yellow cards are actually coming from the consistency of playing in attacking wings, and then when we had the opportunity and then when we exhausted that left flank of New England, we got what we wanted, we opened the gap, they got the red card, which is very difficult for every team to play with one man down, but that was part of the plan and the depth that we have for us, we are very happy that the competition in the team is going to be hard now and that’s what we are looking for. That’s what every team wants to have, every coach wants to have guys who are hungry, the guys who have to fight for their spot and whoever has the opportunity to play, he’s ready and he performs.”
On having the 2017 MLS All-Star Game in Chicago
“First of all, I want to say that’s a fantastic and very important event for the city, for the club and we are very grateful that we have this honor to play the MLS All-Star game against Real Madrid, one of the best teams in the world. For everyone in the city, I think that it’s a great opportunity to show how well we are prepared, how we can organize and how we can welcome everyone who is coming to watch the game and also we want to give all the fans around the world the opportunity to see a fantastic spectacle. I think that’s our objective. We want to play well, we want to build a team and give the fans the opportunity to enjoy in the United States but other too. All around the world, I think it’s going to be a soccer holiday and we are very very excited, very excited about it.”
Nemanja Nikolic, Chicago Fire Forward
On scoring a brace
"The most important thing is that the team plays good. Game by game, we're getting better and better. We have an identity now, everybody so badly wants to play. The players behind me are in good form, so for me it's also easier. They gave me a great ball today and I scored two goals, but the most important thing is that in these three games that we have played home, we achieved seven points. Now we have a very three difficult games away, so we need to prepare for this from tomorrow."
On another clean sheet for the Fire defense
"It's also one of the most important things in football: to keep a clean sheet. Today, our defensive line played good. Game by game, we are very strong and solid in the defensive line. We work a lot in training on these things. If we don't look at the Atlanta game, when we played with ten players and it was difficult to defend, all other games we have played we are organized very good in the defensive line. We need to keep doing this, because we can score every game, so if we make the clean sheet and we try to be better in this, we can win a lot of games like this."
On adjusting to the league
"Of course that I needed to adjust. I’ve been here for just three months, it's my sixth game here in MLS. I watch a lot of games, I try to get a lot of information, to see all of our opponents. The staff helps me a lot, not just me, they help give the other players a lot of information about our opponents before the games, during the week and when we practice. It's helped me a lot. Today, I enjoyed it on the pitch. Of course, it was a lot of space for me and I like this. Almost every game in MLS, everyone plays to score goals, to win the games."
On the upcoming road trip "Before this game, we don't speak about this small trip, but for us it was very important today to win. Tomorrow, we have a free day, and Monday, we will start to prepare for the game against Toronto. We need to go step by step and to prepare game by game. It will be very difficult, but I think we are in a good mood and good shape. If we play like this, like today, we have chances. It will be very difficult against Toronto, it's one of the best teams in the league, it will not be easy. But like I said, we need to keep a clean sheet, to try and make a perfect game in the defensive line, and after in the attack, we need to create chances and score goals, so we will see."
On the MLS All-Star Game
"It will be a very fantastic thing here in Chicago. But to be honest, I don't think about this game. I need to keep my form, I need to score the goals if I want to be there. Of course, every player works to be there. I need to be in the top form for my club, to score goals for my club, and after, other people will decide."
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire Midfielder
On the result
"We came here today just to make the three points, and we did it. It looks much better in the Eastern Conference standings, so we are happy about it. It's a good finish after three home matches. Now, we will rest, and then we will prepare for our away matches, where it's also very important to make points."
On his first homestand with the team
"It wasn't easy, especially the first match. But we still managed to get seven points, so that's good. We still can improve, and we have to work on it, but it's a better feeling now. I'm actually looking forward to the away matches."
On Toronto
"We go there to get three points. Of course, they have a good team, so it's not going to be easy, but we will try. It's also the first time for me in Canada, so I'm also looking forward to that."
