Head Coach Adrian Heath
On a six-game unbeaten streak after starting the season 0-4…
“Steely resolve not to get beat. We spoke about it after the fourth [loss]. We started the season 0-4, a lot of criticism, but there was a lot of positives in there and I did say to the group that if we can maintain some confidence in each other, don’t give so much away but start defending and get a mentality that the group is defending, not just the back four and the goalkeeper. We’ve done that. The resolve of the players at the weekend, their form in the last 10-15 minutes, [Portland] were throwing everything at us, was magnificent. More of the same. We know it’s not going to be easy this weekend. San Jose come and get after you like they always do. We know it’s going to be tough, and if we’re going to capitalize on the great little run that we’ve had on the road, we need to win the home game at the weekend.”
On four shutouts and two goals allowed in the last six games…
“I don’t think it’s just the defense. We’ve started to defend from the front, we’ve had a really good shape behind the ball and have made it difficult for people to play. There’s no secret t it. If we get people in the right spots and defend like it means something to us, we’ll keep clean sheets. Obviously Tyler [Miller] has been exceptional. When we’ve needed him on a couple of occasions, he’s come up with big, big saves, but that’s what you expect. Overall, the defensive mindset has been terrific.”
On chances created but few goals as a result…
“I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. We’ve conceivably had five or six really good chances a game, and when it’s only one-nil, that can come back and bite you. As long as we keep creating, we’ve got every faith in that people that we’ve got on the team to score goals and that’s the most important thing for us now. Keep confidence in the people who are there, keep creating chances for them and that will change.”
On facing San Jose at home this weekend…
“All the games have been tight. I know it sounds crazy, with some of the games. I think we won in the bubble four to one. Then we went there and scored [five] but the games are on a knife-edge. The thing about Matias’s [Almeyda] players, they’ve all bought in. They’re fully bought in to what they do. It is different, but I know it’s going to be tough and they’re going to be fully ready. We’ll have to play well.”
Midfielder Jan Gregus
On his experience with Slovakia in the EURO Championship…
“The experience was amazing. Unlucky that we didn’t go through the group stage like we wanted to but it doesn’t change the fact that it was amazing.”
On what he can bring back to MNUFC from his experience…
“Nothing changes for me, I just to do best for the club and for the country. I’m very glad that I saw the boys did really well and got [two] wins, so I was very pleased with that.”
On facing San Jose at home this weekend…
“It’s the start of the week now but, like you said, we are preparing now. Preparation starts for the next opponent. Like I said, continue to do the work that we did last three or two games and build on that one.”
On coming back to a full capacity Allianz Field…
“I am so excited. So excited after such a long time but I saw the videos and images and it was unbelievable to see. Also, the boys were so pleased and happy with the fans so just looking forward for the same.”
Goalkeeper Tyler Miller
On a six-game unbeaten streak after starting the season 0-4…
“Starting off, just the defensive mentality we’ve established in the last six games has really shown the fortitude of this club. We’ve been able to grind out some really close wins, we’ve been able to add some key players as well that have really contributed to our attack. We’ve been able to get some key goals in key moments in games, and make some strong defensive plays in key moments in games as well that have really been the full picture of what we’re capable of doing.”
On four shutouts and two goals allowed in the last six games…
“Two goals allowed in six games and four shutouts, it’s a tremendous team effort that goes into it all. For myself, I’ve just been focusing on each day of training, and not really worrying about looking back or looking ahead, just focusing on the now and what I need to do to prepare myself. You’re really seeing people buying into our system and our team and what we’re all about. Honestly, being back at Allianz Field with a full crowd too, it always helps.”
On facing San Jose at home this weekend…
“They play a unique style. They play man to man across the entire field, which no other team, that I know of, does that. It’s a team that we have a good history with, and leading into this game, we’re on a good run of form right now but every game presents its new challenges and its unique opportunities for us to step up to the level and raise our game. Yes we have been unbeaten in six games but I still think there’s moments in games where we can improve and win games a little bit easier and make plays a little bit easier on ourselves. We just need to keep improving in training and approach San Jose how we’ve approached the last six games and we’ll have a good opportunity to win.”
