Quote Sheet
Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution
Toyota Park – Sept. 14, 2013
Frank Klopas, Chicago Fire Head Coach
On the players mentality
“I thought the mentality and the attitude was incredible for the team. Most important thing is that you have a good locker room. It was one of those games that when you think of the history of the team this is one of the games that’s out there. Coming from behind and never giving up and creating chances. It was an exciting game, not so much for the coaches.”
On the players possibly being tired from being on the road
“The difference with this is that we played two on the road. The guys were fatigued so we have to make some changes. We had a game plan going in but the last ten minutes we felt like the game was open. Alex obviously gives us a lot in possession, but he is also very good in tight areas. All of the subs and all the players on the field did fantastic tonight.”
On being in playoff position
“We had a slow start with some of the injuries. I just think that the team never gave up. We fought hard. The changes we made helped on and off the field. The group has the right mentality. You want to be right there in the end and we are right there, so there is a lot to play for. We are very excited to be in the position. The guys have earned it with all the hard work. We are not happy where we are but it is a step to where we want to be.”
On changes he would make to the defense
“It seems like this ref missed every single call for us. They got a play out of nothing that’s why I was frustrated. It’s never easy giving up a goal in the forty-fifth minute. I told the group that it’s good to play with emotions but you have to keep it under control not to do anything silly now. We just kept playing and came out with a lot of energy.”
On changes to the starting lineup
“One of the reasons, I said it’s the third game within a week. We monitor the recovery of some of the guys with the technology that we have. The thing with this is that we traveled. Some of the guys were fatigued obviously we can’t make changes for everyone. What you saw tonight is that we have a good group and everyone is ready to contribute to play.”
Mike Magee Chicago Fire forward
On Alex’s goal
“My reaction was at first I was about to go nuts, but then I looked at him and thought it didn’t go in because he didn’t celebrate. I was in extreme disappointment and then went nuts again. It was amazing. We’ve been trying to get that type of goal at the end of a game for a while now, and now that it’s finally come at such an important time feels massive.”
On the win taking some pressure off
“For sure [it takes the pressure off]. This is probably our third chance at trying to get a win and move into the top five, it’s nice to get that weight off of our back after all the work we’ve done just to put ourselves into a top five spot. To get over the hump is a big step.”
On the locker room at the half
“I thought it was good. Jeff [Larentowicz] came in and said a few words, but I just got the impression that everyone knew what was at stake and it wasn’t one of those times where we were all disappointed that we gave a goal at the end. We had the mentality that we were going to get it back. It was a good quiet half.”
On Juan Luis Anangono’s play
“He was involved in a big way. His goal was huge to tie it up the first time and helped on my goal tied it up the second time. He put his body in front of a defender who was just going to clear, to shield it just so I have a chance. If he doesn’t do that I’m not scoring a goal. He was great today.”
On scoring his 10th goal with the Fire:
“The win means everything. I’m not going to start goal counting, not just yet. To get that win, the tying goal and to help the team is better than 10 goals.”
Jeff Larentowicz, Chicago Fire midfielder
On what he said to the team at the half:
“I said we’re down a goal and we can’t treat the second half too lightly. It’s basically 45 minutes to keep ourselves in it. Every week the season gets shorter, obviously, and the chances to get into the playoffs and make a push become less and less, so I just said to make sure the last 45 minutes to give it their all.”
On the frustration at the end of the first half:
“I wouldn’t say it was frustrating, they just made a good play. It’s frustrating to be down 2-1, but the team responded well in front of our fans, in front of our crowd – they kept us going and we pushed until the end. I thought it was a great effort.”
Juan Luis Anangono Chicago Fire forward:
On his first goal with the Fire:
“I’m very, very happy with the goal. I’m very happy with the consistency of the team and I’m happy with the work that was done on the field to come back and get the win tonight.”
On his involvement in the game:
“It always takes a little bit of time to get acclimated to a new lifestyle, but I thank everyone here at the Chicago Fire and Section 8 supporters because they’ve been so great to me. Every day I feel better and more involved with the team and it shows with my performance on the field.”
On his role Magee’s goal
“I was trying to shield the defender so that pass wouldn’t get blocked and Mike could come in and just tap it in. Luckily it worked out and Mike could score for the team.”
