Atlanta United 2, Montreal 1: What was said

What was said following Atlanta United's 2-1 win against Montreal in MLS action on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Atlanta United Head Coach Frank de Boer

On the team’s performance:

“I am very proud of the team. They played with so much discipline. It is so tempting to go into the narrow spaces and that forces you to make mistakes and I think we played a very concentrated first half. They will always get a chance. In the first half, they had one opportunity to counter attack when Pity made a back heel. The counter attack started, but for the rest I think they didn’t have one shot on goal. Also, the second half and the corner kick, that is something that can happen. The guy shoots the ball totally wrong, it comes to the feet of another player and he scores. Of course it is difficult to create many chances against a team that plays very deep in their own half. We still believed and we still played very concentrated even when we conceded 1-1, and I think we really deserved this win. A lot of times we concede late goals, and now we get one and that feels really good and again I think we really deserved it because they put a lot of effort in.”

On Pity Martínez’s performance:

“In the beginning, there was nothing wrong. I think he played quite well. He was setting up the first goal, cutting inside, playing it to Justin (Meram), moves through to make the space for Justin to come inside, so I have no problem with that. But in the second half, especially around the 60th to 65th minute, he was making too many mistakes and then it’s a danger to the team in that moment. Then it is my choice to make a decision, and overall against Toronto, I think he played one of his best games. It was short notice that he’d play again and maybe he was tired, but he has to make those plays.”

On Justin Meram:

“He has a really solid shot with his inside feet and he has shown that in training. He has been practicing and has been determined to show himself for the public and for the fans because he wants to be important. He said before the game he wanted to show it and he showed it. It’s great for him, it’s great for me, it’s great for the fans, it’s great for the club, great for the teammates and I was very pleased with the performance.”

On Florentin Pogba at left back:

“I think he did a great job. He is a really good defender and I think normally we put Brek (Shea) or Michael Parkhurst there, but Parkhurst is a little bit of age and he played 90 minutes against Toronto and I think that was one of our most disappointing games defensive wise. I think they let (Parkhurst) drown a lot of times and there were a lot of two on one’s and you have to take that into consideration. I’m very satisfied with Parky. For me, Flo put himself in the team because of his attitude, explosive attitude. I like that from a guy and also when you show quality. There are times when you have to give him the opportunity and I think he did well.”

On Mikey Ambrose:

“With Mikey, unfortunately, of course he’s had injuries and was a lot of times starting in the starting 11 and didn’t get minutes when he was out. He is training very hard, hoping to get fit and maybe one time his opportunity comes again. He is a very positive guy and again his reward will come one time.”

On choosing between Justin Meram and Dion Pereira:

“About Dion, maybe it was not his best game against Toronto and you have to take that into consideration. We are playing against a very difficult team and I need fresh bodies in that moment, that’s also with Pogba and also he is training well and eager to show himself. He wants to be an influence in games and be important.”

On when Josef Martínez will be available:

“In Chicago he will be there. You know Josef, and he wants to score.”

Atlanta United midfielder Julian Gressel

On physicality of the match:

“Yeah, it’s alright though. I think at that point in the game, we are trying to see out the match. So, you got to do what you got to do.”

On what it means to bounce back with a win following Wednesday’s tough loss:

“I mean it’s good. You play at home against a good Eastern Conference opponent. You want to win the game, then you go and win the game. It’s three points for us and they get zero points. So, it’s good. They are a team that will probably be above the playoff line in the end, so it obviously means just that. Performance was a bit better than Wednesday. We deserved to win today and ultimately we got it.”

On the depth of this lineup:

“We’ve said it all along. These stretches are tough and we need everybody. Obviously with Justin (Meram) coming in and getting a couple of goals. He’s been a great guy and I’m happy for him. Get him going a bit more and we will see what more he can contribute.”

On what Justin Meram brings to the locker room:

“He’s a good guy, he obviously is someone who has experience and can talk to some of the younger guys. He’s also fun to be around, he’s in a good mood every day when he comes in to work. Always has a joke ready and so it’s definitely a good guy to have in the locker room.”

On the tough schedule with midweek games coming up:

“It’s tough for sure. But you look at the schedule at the beginning of the year and you know what’s ahead. We have to be ready. The last few weeks have been nice to get time off and get some minor things taken care of. I’m feeling really good right now, and hopefully I can stay that way. As a group, we want to continue now to win games.”

Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan

On getting three points:

“It was important to bounce back in a positive way. It was a difficult game tonight. (Montreal Impact) came in with a clear plan of playing counter-attacking football, sitting in and making it really difficult for us, and they certainly did that for 90 minutes. At the end of the day, it was important that we got three points, and it did not matter how. It was not the prettiest of games, but these games are sometimes difficult when they get 11 guys behind the ball in their own half and force you to try and break them down. Then they get the deflection set piece and it makes things a little bit interesting toward the end, but fortunately we were able to get a second (goal) and see out the game.”

On Justin Meram:

“We all know his quality. To see the first goal go in, it shows what he brings to the team and what he can do with the ball at his feet. The second one, he just kind of sniffs it out and was in the right place at the right time.”

On Florentin Pogba:

“I thought he was great. Again, probably somebody who is not naturally a left-back, but his biggest attribute is probably his strength, and you saw that today. I think (Evan) Bush tried to play a first few long balls, and (Pogba) was always going to win those. Not his normal position, but for sure came in and did an absolute job for us. I could not be more pleased for him.”

On Atlanta United’s depth:

“I would not call them reserve players, by any means. When you are a top team, you need depth and you need guys pushing the first 11, whoever that may be. You need guys being able to step on the field and contribute. We saw Brandon (Vázquez) a couple games ago score a handful of goals and he has come in for Josef (Martínez) and all of a sudden he is picking up where we left off in terms of our center forward position. Justin (Meram) comes in and gets two goals. (Florentin Pogba) comes in and does a fantastic job as a left-back. So, with this stretch of games, it is going to be important that we use that depth to make sure that we keep pace and continue to pick up points.”

Atlanta United midfielder Justin Meram

On his performance:

“For me, it was just important to take advantage of this opportunity and help the team in any way possible. Defensively, offensively and (I) was fortunate to put a couple away.”

On his first goal:

Once I was past the first guy, I was in a position that I love—to cut in from the left side and hit it. It was a great strike.”

On the range and difficulty of the first goal:

“Yeah, anytime you play a team with the back five, it's very tight and there isn't going to be much space. Sometimes you have to be patient and then individuals need to create a bit of magic and flare. I was fortunate to take a bit of space and cut in and take my shot.”

On the celebration of the first goal:

“Just the relief. It's always tough when you get traded in the middle of the season but these guys in the locker room have really brought me in. I really love coming into work with these guys and when you enjoy it and this locker room is great, it kinda feels on a different level to help.”

On if this meant more than the experience in Orlando:

“This was a different celebration. This was of joy for this city and these fans to really bring me in and bring me in as one of the guys. To help any way possible that means so much as a player. I am very thankful for that.”

On his first goal:

“We were making runs. I kinda changed my position to come underneath and Pity [Martínez] gave me the ball. It was just one of those create something [moments] because they had been sitting back letting us have most of the position. You just got to sometimes take shots and thankfully it went in.”

On if this wiped away the disappointment from Wednesday:

“Yeah, of course. That game kinda slipped from us and obviously we were disappointed. It's good to get back on track. Especially at home. You have to get three points in front of this group.”

On showing Frank de Boer what he is capable of:

“Anytime you get an opportunity, you have to make the most of it. It’s the way soccer is. One day you don't get in on Wednesday and the next day you're starting. You make the most of it. Soccer changes quickly and you have to be up for it.”

Atlanta United defender Leandro González Pirez

On how he felt when Montreal tied the game:

“Well a little frustrated because it’s a goal they found out of nowhere. They barely created chances but scored a goal. In the first half they had one chance on a counter but then they practically didn’t step inside our box. They found a goal out of luck but the important thing is we kept trying in the same manner to attack and pressure them high.”

On why it’s hard for Atlanta when teams play very defensive against them:

“It’s not only for Atlanta. It’s normally hard for all teams. If you watch the Copa America, Brazil dominated Paraguay the whole game but Paraguay stayed back, were well organized and cleared every ball that they came across and they kept the game 0-0 and it went to penalties. Today, with a good defensive strategy, teams can close it down and play against anyone. We try to find the spaces and score. You don’t win 4-0 but winning 1-0, 2-0 is a strength also because finding spaces where there aren’t any is difficult.”

If patience was the key:

“Yes, in general terms we lacked clarity in the final touches. I think we got into the final third well but due to them being so closed and playing lines close together it was difficult to find the final pass. But in general terms we played a good game. Defensively we were good and they didn’t create chances on us.”

On the importance of the win:

“It’s an important win because Montreal is fighting with us in the conference. It was important to win to get closer to them with two or three games less, I don’t know how many we have in hand. It’s a win that gives us confidence to stay on this path.”

Atlanta United defender Florentin Pogba

On his first start with Atlanta at left back:

“It had been a while since I had played left back, and it requires a different effort than playing center back. But I felt good, with confidence, and we got a victory so it was a good game.”

On his performance at left back:

“What I can say is that people hadn’t seen me play at left back, and I left a good image for them and for the coach also. For me, I’m not surprised because I started playing professionally at that position but I think I did some good things but I can improve and just need to play more at this position too.”

On playing in front of his twin brother Mathias:

“It’s always good to have your family close and to play in front of them. They got to see a home game in this incredible stadium, we won, so everything is good for me. I hope the next time both of them come we have a home game and we can win.”