Caleb Porter Talks About The Possibility Of Adding Players
Caleb Porter Talks About The Possibility Of Adding Players
Porter: “I really like a lot of the pieces we have, the core. We definitely need pieces though. We need pieces. It’s becoming my team, but it’s not my team yet. Part of that is getting pieces."
The New England Revolution are looking to make some transfers as Caleb Porter continues to build the team in his vision.
The Revs find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 1-5-1 record. Sitting just six points from a playoff spot, there’s still plenty to play for in the 27 remaining games.
After their most recent defeat—a 2-0 loss to New York City FC—head coach Caleb Porter noted that the club is evaluating the roster as they have been for the last three and a half months.
On Thursday, Porter said that the Revs are eyeing some additions.
“We are hoping to make some moves in this window and in the next window,” Porter said. “Whether that happens, just depends on getting the deals done and all that, but Curt [Onalfo], Remi [Roy], and Chris [Tierney] are working very hard and adding a few pieces will help us evolve for sure.”
The primary transfer window closes on Tuesday, April 23 while the secondary window runs from Thursday, July 18 to Wednesday, August 14.
While far from ideal, the Revs’ start to the season has allowed Porter to see the character of his players. He believes that he has a good core to build around.
“I’m learning more and more every day about who I can count on, and the type of quality that I’m going to get out of guys,” Porter said. “You especially know that when your backs are against the wall, you see everybody’s best face when adversity kicks in like this.
“You can see everybody’s worst face but if you’re a winner and you’re a leader, and you have quality, then you step up in these moments. In a lot of ways, I’m able to evaluate this group even more so right now.”
The Revolution returned the bulk of its roster from last year with many players having guaranteed contracts.
While Nick Lima was added during the off-season, Jonathan Mensah and Henrich Ravas were the only newcomers inked after Porter became head coach on Dec. 19. Ema Boateng also re-upped after Porter’s arrival.
“I really like a lot of the pieces we have, the core,” Porter said. “We definitely need pieces though. We need pieces. It’s becoming my team, but it’s not my team yet. Part of that is getting pieces.
“Part of that is, yes, evolving, training, a clarity in what we want and what it should look like. And then figuring out, okay, can this guy do it or not? I’m learning the guys that can do it and there is a good group of guys that can.
“I’ve always said it, it’s not just the soccer, it’s the mentality and the character of the people. We have a good group of guys, but I need leaders, I need fighters, I need winners. So, I’m learning that.”
When asked about potential targets, Porter said, “I’m not going to talk positions.” He did state that there are certain qualities that the Revs are looking for.
“Athleticism, for sure,” Porter started. “Comfort on the ball. To be able to carry a game, build out of the back. These guys are getting cleaner and cleaner and cleaner already, but, for sure, we need a couple pieces that can help kind of move our team up the field, control games. And then, again, I said mental toughness, leadership, guys that have won. Guys that have won a lot and they’re used to winning. In every add, we’ll try to check some of those boxes just to blend in those components.”
Porter said there are times when he feels like the team is “lacking a stretching presence.” This is something that Dylan Borrero can offer.
“He’s very talented, he’s very dynamic, he can change a game, he can eliminate defenders one-v-one,” Porter said.
Borrero was injured on Apr. 29, 2023 during a home game against FC Cincinnati. On May 24, he underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left ACL.
The 22-year-old is nearing a return and will be “like a new signing” once he’s back on the field.
“We’re really excited that he’s starting to get closer to being able to come back,” Porter said. “He was sore this week. He was out a full year, so we’re not sure if he’ll be available off the bench for this game but we’re hopeful.”
This is a new era for the Revolution as Onalfo became the sporting director on Nov. 30, 2023, and Porter was named head coach soon after.
The duo—along with Roy, Tierney, and others—are in constant discussions regarding the roster.
“Curt and I are very much aligned,” Porter said. “Remi, Chris, we’re meeting every single day, we’re in the war room. We know what we want. We have targets. We’re all on the same page. It’s really important that the coach and front office are aligned. We have that here.
“It’s a long-term project, we realize that. None of us are patient at all. I hate losing. I don’t like where it’s at. I’m not patient, but it’s great to have alignment. There is 100 percent alignment in the club. We know what we need, we know what we’re adding.”
For now, Porter is focused on working with the players he has. The team is in a seven-game span where they only play on the weekends. This allows for continuity regarding training.
Looking back at the New York City FC game, Porter said, “That's not how we want to play. It was too direct. We can't now go back and overplay out of the back, but we do need to play soccer a bit more than we did in that game.”
After a good week of training, Porter is feeling positive ahead of this weekend’s game against Toronto FC. He applauded the player’s passion and intensity during training sessions. He hopes this translates to getting a good result on Saturday.
“I'm seeing a lot of good things in the core group, this week especially, and that leaves me optimistic for this weekend,” Porter said. “We’ve got to continue, even as we evolve in the way we play and in personnel, to get results.
“So, can we play a little more like we want to play in this game and get back to that? And can we build off some of the leadership quality that I saw this week, the passion, the intensity, and go on the road and get a result?”