Mensah Ready To Help The Revs Any Way He Can
Mensah: "I just want to make sure I’m doing my best to help the team and get the win.”
Jonathan Mensah is here to help the New England Revolution in any way he can.
The 33-year-old centerback made his second league start of the season on Saturday, helping the Revs secure a 1-0 win over Charlotte FC.
Mensah played alongside Henry Kessler in his most recent appearance but has also logged time with Dave Romney.
“I’ve been working with these guys for a while now, and getting to understand each other more,” Mensah explained. “When I’m out there, I just want to have fun. Playing along Kess, Dave, whoever it is, I just want to make sure I’m doing my best to help the team and get the win.”
Mensah looked comfortable this weekend as he had 33 touches, completed 26 of 29 pass attempts, was 1 for 1 on tackles, and had two clearances.
Unfortunately, he was forced to leave in the 44th minute due to some discomfort. The experienced defender sounded optimistic after the game.
“I’m feeling great,” Mensah said. “It was just, I felt a little pinch in my hamstring. Obviously, I need to take precautionary measures. I spoke to the coach, let him know that I felt a little pinch in the hamstring so it’s better to shut it down.”
This is Mensah’s first year with the Revolution as he signed as a free agent after one season with the San Jose Earthquakes. Before that, he spent six years with the Columbus Crew.
Mensah knows head coach Caleb Porter well as the two worked together in Columbus. The Ghanaian captained the team that won the 2020 MLS Cup.
While the Revs haven’t had an ideal start to the season, Mensah is confident in Porter’s vision.
“It’s great to work with Caleb and glad to reconnect with him again,” Mensah said. “It’s always tough when you go to a new club, trying to implement your philosophy, your tactical formation, and all that. It’s going to come to fruition soon.
“The guys are starting to understand what he wants from us and it’s going to pay off because he’s a winner. He’s won anywhere he’s been, so hopefully we can transfer that into our season.”
Mensah is ready to step into the lineup whenever his name is called, but he’s also there to provide support. The veteran is an engaged presence on the sideline, providing encouragement and advice.
Having been in this league for a long time, Mensah knows it’s important to stay levelheaded, even during difficult stretches.
“It’s a long season, so when things aren’t going your way from the start, you don’t need to lose yourself, lose the locker room because a healthy locker room is a healthy team,” Mensah said.
“The results weren’t coming but we stuck together. We’re a tight team. Even though the results weren’t there for us, we still made sure that we kept the locker room healthy and that’s what’s going to help us in the long run.”
Mensah has been a good add to the team. I have great confidence when he is on the field. Unfortunate that he had to come off, but at least we have the depth to cover it.