Philadelphia Union is back from a bye week due to the FIFA International Window and kicks off a busy stretch of matches this weekend as they host Inter Miami CF on Saturday night. Ahead of the Eastern Conference clash, Head Coach Jim Curtin gave some insights on how the club approach the match with pieces away for international tournaments.
Backline Update
Early on in the press conference, Curtin was asked as to the status of the Union's backline with center back Jack Elliott having been sent off in the second half against CF Montreal. Following the game, the Union manager said the club would look at appealing the challenge so that the 28-year-old defender would be eligible for this weekend's matchup.
"We had several phone calls back and forth with the league and PRO but the reality was we had no chance to win," Curtin said on Thursday afternoon. "I’ve looked at that play a million times and we’ve had a million conversations and pushed for as hard as we possibly could but all of the feedback was aligned."
With Elliott out and Damion Lowe selected for Jamaica's 2024 Copa America roster, the Union find themselves limited on options to pair up with Jakob Glesnes.
“We have a young center back in [Olwethu] Makhanya who is working really hard with the Union II in games and improving. We have the option of Nathan [Harriel] who has played at center back with us and the national team before. Mbaizo and Nathan give us a great competition with two guys pushing for that right back spot but we’ll make a decision that makes sense based on the opponent and some of the things they do well. We anticipate [Leo] Campana to start who is a starter anywhere else in this league but happens to play on a team with Luis Suarez and doesn’t get the minutes he normally would.”
Replacing Gazdag
Another absence for the Union on Saturday night will be all-time leading goalscorer Daniel Gazdag who will be with the Hungarian National Team as they open their play at Euro 2024 against Switzerland. Curtin acknowledged that there is no direct replacement for a Union's No. 10 who has scored 50 times and added 27 assists in just over 100 appearances for the Boys in Blue. A trio of homegrowns are expected to step in when called upon, as David Vazquez, Jeremy Rafanello and even Quinn Sullivan have taken roles in the middle of the pitch across the organization.
“For each game and opponent we’ll choose but also will depend on the formation. In this case you have David Vazquez coming back from the [U.S. U-19] Youth National Team and he’s doing better in training but it is still a big step to take," Curtin said. "Rafanello has played as a central midfielder for us in Portland in a flat four. When you factor in the opponent and you have Sergio Busquets at the No. 6 that you need to get around for Miami, I think formation we’ll have to choose but he’s a big part of their success and we have to have someone that can get around him. Quinn Sullivan is another guy who has the versatility to make plays and possibly do that role as well. I’m stating the obvious here but we’re going to miss Daniel Gazdag just like Miami is going to miss Lionel Messi and there is no two ways about it. This is an opportunity for guys to step up and we need them to be ready and the three names I said should be in the 20 most likely this week and will be deserving and you could see us use them all.”
Another player that will see his role expand is homegrown Jack McGlynn who has taken his game to another level ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. U-23 player has already tied his career-high with two goals and set a new personal benchmark with four assists in 15 matches for the Union. With a left-foot that creates magic for teammates and nightmares for opponents, Curtin said he expects more from the 20-year-old while Gazdag is away.
“Everyone has to step up and certainly Jack has to get a little higher and maybe take a little more risk with shots from distance that we continue to push him with. He’s not a 10 but he has the passing range to unlock a defense like a 10, maybe does it from a deeper position but we might need him to be a little more aggressive and fill a central role because playing through the lines is when we are at our best. Unfortunately, he won’t be passing the ball to Daniel Gazdag so all these things weigh in just like Jordi Alba won’t be combining with Messi. Both teams aren’t at full strength so we have to make the most of what it is and I see this as an opportunity to bring out player’s skills like with Jack where we have to have him step up.”
