Quote Sheet
Chicago Fire 1:1 New York Red Bulls
Recap
Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach On gaining a point in today’s game
“This is a great point. We played against one of the great teams in the league with huge experience, huge resources, great team on the field. They pushed hard and we played hard. That’s what it is and that is what it’s going to take from here on out. Every single game like this we have to play. We have to grind, we have to push, we have to give our best and that’s what the guys did. I’m proud of them and fantastic job from everyone. One point in this game means a lot, it can be decisive for the playoffs.”
On his frustrations on the sideline
“That’s the sign that I want to win like no one else in this league. That what it is. I want to win, I want to put the team in the playoffs and I’m going to push like the guys pushed today in every single game from now on. Until the end, that’s the only sign and that’s how were going to play from now on.”
On not getting a full three points
“I think we had more opportunities in this game. I think we were the team that were pushing hard for the tie, then pushing harder for the win the game. That’s what it is, this game and in sports you will not have anything easy, nothing is going to be easy and nothing is taken for granted. You have to earn it and we earned the point today. We did it well, the team worked hard, the team knew how to play against this team and this is the best possible way to play against them. You have to give your best and that’s what we did today.”
On Nemanja Nikolic getting back on the score sheet
“The team is always first. His goal meant a lot for the team, that one point, conversion of our hard work during the game and obviously it’s good for him that he keeps scoring the goals. And when it helps the team win or get points it’s great. I’m personally happy for him because he worked hard, had patience and it came to him, but it also came to us and came to our team. Our guys, all together, are all working hard and grinding until we get the goal. Was it Nikolic today? Yes it was, but in other games we need other guys to score. This is how it is and how it will be forever.”
Michael de Leeuw, Forward
Thoughts on the match
"We played tough. It was a difficult game because it's a good team and they were pushing in the first half. We didn't concede, we conceded one goal and from there we created chances, we scored our goal. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we knew also that we couldn't lose this game, because with the game left for them they could have jumped over us. For us, it's a great point and I think that we're the winners today."
On the draw
"I think we're the winners today. We could have won the game but at the end you see them pushing, so at the end I think 1-1 is the correct result. I think we're happy with it."
On leaving behind the losing streak
"Let's hope so. I think everybody you saw in the game in Montreal, we were fighting for each other, we were taking points again. That streak is gone, we don't want to think about that anymore; just keep moving forward, keep doing what we're doing and the points will come."
On Nemanja Nikolic breaking a scoring drought
"We needed this goal and for Niko it's also good to get back on track again. Let's hope he finds his track again and his momentum, and keeps going."
On his assist
"I think it was a great ball from Johan back in the box. I made a movement and everybody stayed, the keeper came but not 100 percent. Great movement by Niko coming to the ball and scoring that goal."
Nemanja Nikolic, Forward
On scoring the equalizing goal
"It feels really good, of course, as all the time when strikers score the goal. It was not my focus in a couple of leagues before because I think that the team is the most important and our results are the most important, for sure. We played today a tough game, a really hard game. After 0-1 for them, I think they scored in eight minutes, so it was very difficult. We play for the three points because we calculate that if we win today and against D.C., it will be enough for the playoff but I think it's always better to achieve one point than zero. If I see the whole game, we need to be happy because of this one point. We're looking forward to the game against D.C., we need to win a good game, but tough game. We played against the closest opponent behind us so they stayed four points between us. It's important to keep this distance and we're looking forward to the next game."
On the goal
"The goal, for me, was deserved for Michael de Leeuw because he put back the ball from nothing. I just run to give support to him but to be honest, I don't see too many opportunities that could cut the ball back to me. I don't know how he did that but it was a really important moment from him. After that, I don't have such a difficult job to put the ball in the net, but of course I need to be there, I need to be in the right place at the right time. Really important goal for me and the team, but like I said, I think this goal, Michael de Leeuw deserved it for his assist to me."
