Revolution Notebook: Carles, Kenny, and Carr
Revolution Notebook: Carles, Kenny, and Carr
Quotes from Carles Gil, Bruce Arena, and Calen Carr as we get ready for Revs v. Cincinnati.
I can never fill the shoes of Tanner Rebelo, but I’m going to try my hand at writing a notebook.
On Saturday, the Revs play Cincinnati FC in a battle between two teams atop the Eastern Conference. Here are some talking points heading into the game.
Giacomo Vrioni Is Looking More Comfortable
Vrioni scored two goals against Sporting KC last weekend, which New England Revolution fans hope is a sign of things to come.
While the performance wasn’t against a strong opponent, Vrioni looked more comfortable with his movements in his second consecutive start.
On Thursday, Carles Gil was asked about Vrioni and he said, “Yeah, so usually, everyone needs time here. He is in a different league and culture. But he's happy now. I think he's looking even better with his feet. He had some injuries in the beginning when he came, so I think he is doing now very good things for the team and scoring goals. So, for a striker, that is always important, and we are very happy.”
Saturday’s Match Will Pit Father Against Son
Revolution head coach Bruce Arena will square off against assistant coach Kenny Arena in a family affair.
Bruce, who will spend time with Kenny away from Gillette Stadium, is proud of what his son has accomplished.
“Well, it's been good, rewarding, because he is my son obviously, but he's done a good job everywhere,” Arena said. “I've worked with him with the Galaxy as well as the [United States] National Team, and now his run in Cincinnati has been very good and it's great to see how well that staff has done, so a real positive. Obviously, we share a lot of notes together and it's good to see his development.”
Does Bruce like it more when he’s coaching with or against Kenny? Here, he once again expresses his pride.
“I think both are enjoyable,” Arena explained. “It's always good to see that he is doing well, so whether he's with me or against me, it's still a positive.”
Calen Carr Speaks On Revolution Recap
I was fortunate enough to speak to MLS analyst Calen Carr on Thursday. During the 22-minute conversation, we spoke about the evolution of the Revs organization, Vrioni’s form, and the possibility of adding Adam Buksa.
There’s nothing new to report regarding the Buksa-to-MLS whispers that emerged after Taylor Twellman tweeted he “would be shocked if Buksa isn’t back in MLS this summer.”
That said, Carr thinks it would be smart for the Revs to bring back Buksa if it’s a possibility.
Carr said, “I think it would be a great idea for a number of reasons. One, I always think that bringing a player back into a team is so much easier because you get rid of that transition that is so difficult in Major League Soccer. For new players to get settled, to get adjusted, that can take some time.
“We’re seeing that with Dylan Borrero. He was good last year, had some nice moments but had some injuries, and wasn’t quite able to hit the ground running.
“Even when I look at New York City, the way they’ve been able to bring back Santi Rodriguez, the way brought back James Sands. Some of those players have come right back into the team and immediately had an impact. I think Buksa could do the same in that sense.
“For the Revs, as we talk about the history, it’s really about MLS Cup. Winning the Supporters’ Shield is nice, it’s great, it’s a tough achievement, ton of respect, but I think, for me, MLS Cup, that’s the trophy that you want to get. I think especially for the Revs, that’s got to be it.
“So, I think the idea of really maximizing that ceiling towards the playoffs, I think the idea of getting Buksa back towards the back half would give you a big, big opportunity to make a legitimate run at that.”
The full interview with Calen Carr can be found here. You can also search “Revolution Recap” wherever you get your podcasts.