Not all problems are bad problems. In fact, Bob Bradley has a very good problem. He has six spots in midfield and attack that need filled in his LAFC team each week. And he has 10 very capable and talented players at his disposal for said spots.
Carlos Vela and Maro Ureña have both returned from the World Cup and been in training all week. André Horta, the Club’s third Designated Player, has been training with LAFC since July 1, and with the opening of the secondary transfer window on July 10 is now available for selection.
Add to that mix, Adama Diomande, who has nine goals in seven matches to start his MLS career, along with Benny Feilhaber, Lee Nguyen, Latif Blessing, Diego Rossi, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Eduard Atuesta, and Bradley’s problem is much more desirable than the converse.
That being said, I’m glad he’s the one doing the choosing and not me.
“We’re excited. Training today was really good. All along we’ve worked to build a roster that gives us different options, that gives us depth,” Bradley said after training at LAFC’s Performance Center. “Of course, that means that in different moments there are decisions in terms of the best way to start, but also flexibility in terms of different ways of playing. So that’s all good.”
Asked which way he was leaning in his lineup selection with the new options available, Bradley wasn’t in the mood to tip his hand. Instead, he touted the team’s depth once again, while also being sure to acknowledge the players that stepped up in light of the World Cup absentees.
“Everybody comes back in a different way, physically and mentally. You use training as a little bit of a gauge. It’s also important to recognize guys that have been playing well lately. And make sure all that is included as we figure out from game to game what is the best way of going about things,” Bradley said.
With the Portland Timbers coming to town (July 15 at 3pm PT | ESPN) on the back of a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Bradley assured those listening that whatever team he chooses will be prepared and willing come Sunday.
“We know the importance of games in the Western Conference. Portland has gone through a great stretch, I think it’s 13 games without a loss. I think as a team, they have a lot of different dimensions. They’re organized, they’re athletic, they’re good on set pieces, and very good on the counter.
“We certainly have a lot of work to do, but we look forward to it.”
News & Notes
- As noted above, the secondary transfer window in MLS opened on July 10. LAFC's Third Designated Player André Horta has been registered with the League, and is now available for selection in both MLS play and the U.S. Open Cup.
- After training Bob Bradley was asked his thoughts on NY Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch leaving to take a job with RB Leipzig in Germany. Bradley coached Marsch both in the college ranks with Princeton and pros with Chicago Fire and Chivas USA. He had this to say about his former player: "I’m so excited for Jesse. He’s done a fantastic job with Red Bull. Over the years you could tell he was going in a great direction. He had the ideas on the game that he has been able to put in place as a coach. I really like the fact that he has taken his ideas as a player, mixed them now with things that he has taken from the game as a coach, and he has come up with his own way of doing things. It shows in his Red Bull teams. And he has also earned the respect of people at Red Bull, and that, of course, has opened the door for him to be involved at RB Leipzig, which in the recent stretch has been such a good team in the Bundesliga. For him, it’s fantastic, and he’s worked so hard. You know, you have to sometimes take some chances and take some risks. But that’s part of it, that’s how you move forward as a coach is challenge yourself. It’s fantastic that Red Bull support him.
