FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It’s still very early in the 2018 season but the New England Revolution have already put together a three-game unbeaten run (2-0-1) under new head coach Brad Friedel, including their latest three points in a confidence-boosting road win in Houston.
Friedel joined the club at a critical time, installing new team dynamics, approaches and tactics at what could prove to be a turning point in the program. Nine players have been brought to New England under Friedel, and both the new and veteran members of the team have meshed together while buying into his new philosophies.
“I think coach (Friedel) has definitely brought this team together. The way he wants us to play, the energy, everything about the locker room has definitely changed,” said eight-year veteran Diego Fagundez. “I think it is better for us. I think it is definitely showing in the games. We just have to keep doing it, keep having fun. At the end of the day, when we're winning games, everybody is happy. So, we just have to keep this vibe going and keep it rolling."
With so many changes, Friedel has simultaneously brought the team together while igniting a sense of internal competition for starting spots. He has created a fit and competitive driven culture that constantly instills motivation and ignites hard work ethics.
“The way all the players are playing, they're all fighting for their places and that gives us a very, very nice problem to have when we go for selecting who's going to be the starting 11,” said Friedel. “Now, we're getting to a point where we have very good players that we may have to leave out of the 18. That's what I wanted to have and that's what we're getting.”
The team also recognizes that Friedel’s competitive spirit keeps them sharp and will benefit them in the long run.
"I think it's good for the team,” said Krisztián Németh. “If we fight for the positions, it's going to be long term, everybody is going to be improved and it's going to be a benefit for the team, a benefit for the players. We're going to be better after that for sure.”
Whether players are seasoned veterans or fresh newcomers, they have accepted what Friedel is looking to accomplish by unifying them as a team both on and off the pitch.
“Since day one, everyone has been great,” said Gabriel Somi. “It feels truly like a family. It's a great atmosphere. In the games, I think we showed a great team spirit, and everything, the coaches, everything has been perfect."
The Revs look to extend their unbeaten streak to four games on Friday night against the Montreal Impact, and continue to improve together with Friedel’s philosophies as they play the seven of their next ten matches in Foxborough.
