Gustavo Bou "Feeling Better" After Time On Sidelines
Gustavo Bou "Feeling Better" After Time On Sidelines
"I was a little tired and missing a little rhythm, but I’m feeling better. Hopefully, I can build on that in this next game.”
The New England Revolution were without Designated Player Gustavo Bou for nearly two months as he dealt with a leg injury but now the striker is back in the squad and looking to boost the Revs hopes of making an MLS Cup run.
Bou played 90 minutes for the first time since the beginning of August when New England suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nashville SC over the weekend. Paired with Tomas Chancalay up top, Bou completed 75 percent of his passes while recording 45 touches and an assist.
Having a player such as Bou back in the starting XI is a big boost for the Revolution. They will need him to start scoring goals if they want to have a lengthy postseason run.
“Well, I’m really improving and we’re improving,” the striker said. “It’s been a long time for me without playing and I can feel that when it’s time to have rhythm in games. Luckily, the last game [at Nashville SC] I played all 90 minutes and that served me well because it had been a while. I was a little tired and missing a little rhythm, but I’m feeling better. Hopefully, I can build on that in this next game.”
The 33-year-old striker was also hailed as an instrumental piece of the roster by interim head coach Clint Peay heading into the playoffs.
“They [Gustavo Bou and Henry Kessler] are two real quality players who can make an impact on both sides of the ball for us, so they definitely add value,” Peay stated. “They are both still kind of getting 90-minutes sharp, so there is probably a little bit of rust, probably more so with Kessler than Bou, but we feel they're going to be instrumental in terms of the way we go into playoffs having both guys on the field.”
For Bou, there is also more on the line. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, if he wants to stay with the Revs he will need to put in a masterclass.
With all the turnover among the coaching staff, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a lot of turnover on the sidelines and on the pitch. With Bou being 33 years old and taking up a DP spot, New England may look to cut ties with La Pantera and acquire a younger player to receive the premium roster designation.
But for now, Bou will be looking to extend New England’s season and be a primary piece of the Revolution attack. There is no doubt that fans in New England have missed seeing the striker out on the pitch.