News

Notebook: Gio on Haji's NASL Debut, Next Game

Key quotes from Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese’s weekly conference call with the press.
Published Jul 29, 2015
By Brett Malamud (@Brettnyy)

On Saturday’s draw at Indy Eleven:

  • “It would have been nice if the goal [from Haji Wright] was allowed. After watching the video I didn’t see any foul on the play.”

On the atmosphere in the locker room:

  • “We’re looking at the table knowing that we can win two matches to put ourselves into second place. We know that it’s early. We lost one and hopefully that’s our last one.”
  • “The morale of the group is good and we know that we need to keep working. The reality is that we’ve only lost one game the entire year. The guys understand that it’s been a very good year. We’re in a very calm stage but are hungry to go out and win.”

On Sunday’s upcoming matchup against Fort Lauderdale Strikers:

  • “They are a very difficult team. They were difficult in the last game with us and will be tough with the return of their coach, Günter Kronsteiner. We expect nothing but a battle.”

On the introduction of the Cosmos’ Academy Affiliate Program:

  • “We made a giant move forward by announcing our Academy Affiliate Program. This is a big step for us towards an academy. We've shown that we’re committed towards working with the youth. We’re very excited to have 19 clubs as our founding members.”
  • “We are following through on everything that has been asked of us in order to maintain the conversation with U.S. Soccer in regards to buildin the academy. We are making the right moves in order to move ourselves in that direction. These are the first steps.”

Player news:

  • Haji Wright: “It was great for him to make his debut. He’s developing, maturing and he’ll definitely get more chances.”
  • Rovérsio: “When he feels strong, he’s going to start playing. Maybe this weekend. We’ll see how he feels this week before making a decision.”