Sometimes the best coaches or managers are the ones that don't tinker with their team when they have a good thing going. That's the 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' theory, and it certainly appears that first year head coach Robert Warzchya of the Columbus Crew prescribes to that rationale.
Warzchya is a former MLS All-Star midfielder for the Crew, as well as a long-time assistant in Columbus prior to taking over the helm this season. He inherits a team that were the MLS Cup holders this past season, and return 10 of 11 starters. Rather than try to make wholesale changes, which is not uncommon for new coaches who take over a team, Warzchya's experience with this nucleus keep himself with a 'status quo' mentality.
A veteran nucleus has made it easier for first year players like Alex Grendi to settle in when called upon last weekend, and veteran goalkeeper Will Hesmer feels that is a strength of the defending champs.
"The older guys have done a good job of acclimating the rookies and bringing them in and giving them confidence," said Hesmer. "They're going to have to play a part this year. That's how it works with the smaller roster and the increased competition we have this year. That's the nature of it. We feel confident whoever is called on will step in."
Veteran leadership and depth are keys to success in any team, and Crew defender Danny O'Rourke feels that is an x-factor with this unit. Even with key contributors Robbie Rogers, Adam Moffat and Pat Noonan omitted from the midfield for this weekend, their appears to be able replacements.
"Depth was our strong point last year," O'Rourke said. "We had a consistent team but when injuries struck we were able to not miss a beat. We'll be all right. Everyone will be amped up for the home opener so I don't think it will be too much of a problem."
No comments:
Post a Comment