It’s the eternal question posed to managers of in-form clubs everywhere.
Does a week (or more) away from competitive action help or hurt the side at this particular time?
There was no escaping the inquiry Monday for Frank Yallop, whose Men In Red were one of 11 teams to play five straight matches without a break to open 2015. Their first idle weekend arrives with the Fire coming off a fine 3-2 home victory over Toronto FC and having taken all six points from their last two outings.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gTTsqcnlOyw"></a> |
<b>Fire vs. TFC: Slow It Down</b> |
“We’d love to play another game right away because we feel very confident, but I don’t think that confidence is going to drop for us to be training for the two weeks,” Yallop said. “We’ll be ready for [Montreal]. The spirit in the camp’s very high right now. It happens to everyone where we’ve got gaps in our schedule to give us time for our next opponent."
One of the obvious benefits of the Fire being without a match until April 18 is the opportunity to mend the various ailments that have crept up in recent weeks. Midfielder Michael Stephens, for instance, suffered a sprained ankle in the opening minutes of Saturday’s match and, according to Yallop, is expected to be available for selection at Stade Saputo in Montreal.
Similarly, goalkeeper Sean Johnson is close to returning to training after sustaining an eye injury last week, which kept him out of the win over Toronto FC. Razvan Cocis, meanwhile, is continuing to build strength in his return from a foot injury that has sidelined him for the opening month of the campaign.
Of course, regardless of their health or fitness level, the Men In Red view the next 12 days as a crucial opportunity to improve the chemistry, organization and finishing abilities that produced three goals Saturday but could have resulted in even more.
“It’s difficult for me, I’m not in my best shape yet,” said midfielder David Accam, delivering news that could cause some headaches in locker rooms around MLS. “I’m impressed with how I played [Saturday] but I know when I get into my best shape I will start scoring goals to get more impact for the team.”
According to midfielder Shaun Maloney, the same might be said of the Fire’s attacking and defensive organization.
“I think our team shape is making ourselves harder to beat,” Maloney said after a match in which the Fire limited the scoring chances of players like Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco and Robbie Findley. “I think that was the biggest improvement over the last four games or so. I think that's a huge credit to the coaching staff as well.”
MONDAY ROUND-UP
• The team is slated for a Tuesday morning training session at Toyota Park, with an off-day Wednesday preceding back-to-back days of training close the week.
• Left back Joevin Jones was named to the MLS Team of the Week Monday, while his first career MLS goal is one of five candidates from across the league nominated for AT&T Goal Of The Week.
• Forward Kennedy Igboananike entered Saturday's match as a 74th-minute substitute and fared well, creating more than one scoring opportunity in his time on the pitch.
"If you look at the stuff he did, he laid Harry [Shipp] in for his chance, he laid David [Accam] back perfectly, I think he clipped one over the edge of the box to get a shot off," Yallop said. "He's getting there. Obviously it's all about confidence, all about popping the ball in the net. Kennedy hasn't scored and neither has Quincy [Amarikwa], we need those guys to start getting on the scoresheet at some point, but I've been pleased with his contributions. He's a great kid and he's working hard."
• Frank Yallop was asked Monday about the possibility of standout second-year midfielder Harry Shipp receiving a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of next week’s friendly with Mexico.
“I’ve heard nothing on Harry,” Yallop said. “So until we get any sort of official paperwork or request … we’ll know, but as of right now, nothing.”
• Yallop had numerous personnel options to pursue once Warren Creavalle’s harsh tackle forced Stephens to the locker room after only five minutes of action, including a shift of Shipp into a central role. In the end, he inserted Chris Ritter to occupy the space behind Shaun Maloney and alongside Matt Polster.
“Watching the first part of the game, I think we needed the stability of both Chris and Matt in there,” Yallop said. “I felt we were getting enough chances in the game, I just thought the middle of the field -- that’s where Toronto do operate and do some great stuff. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to go with Chris. He’s been training really well and I thought he had a really good game, and Harry was fine in his spot.”
• Yallop also responded to a question Monday about GK Sean Johnson's future with the Fire. Click below to hear his answer in full:
