Impact’s newest acquisition stayed in shape
Although it remains unclear when exactly right-back Bacary Sagna will play his first MLS minutes in an Impact uniform, it’s clear the defender has been keeping himself in shape since his season in Serie A with Benevento Calcio ended a few months ago.
His first possible appearance may even be as soon as this Saturday night, at Stade Saputo, when the Impact hosts the Chicago Fire in a game with huge MLS Cup playoff implications (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm).
“I think it should be quick,” said head coach Rémi Garde. “He’s a real professional. You don’t have a career that long and successful, at the highest level, without having acquired reflexes in terms of training, preparation, and lifestyle. What he’s missing is team training, which regroups notions of training that you can’t have alone.”
Sagna had a chance to train with his teammates this week after flying into Montreal last Saturday. Whether or not that will be enough for him to familiarize himself with the group is a question only the coach can answer.
“My plan is to use him as fast as possible, depending on what I see in training this week and depending on the discussions I have with him. He’s a player who will bring his experience, but also his football capabilities.”
Meeting his teammates
As with any new player, introductions were made early this week between Sagna and his new teammates. The French international made a name for himself as a starter for both Arsenal and Manchester City for close to a decade, so obviously, most already knew the name.
“It’s someone I grew up watching,” said defender Daniel Lovitz. “Even before I was an outside back, he was a player I was very interested in. I thought that he was fantastic. It’s about us integrating him into what we have established here. We know what he can contribute on the field, and it’s just a matter of time before he’s ready to step on the field and do what he does.”
“He has a big career behind him,” added midfielder Saphir Taïder. “He’ll bring his experience, and his footballing and human qualities to the group. We’re happy to have him among us, because there’s still a big part of the season left to play, and I think he’ll be an important part of our group.”
With nine games remaining in the season, and with the Impact currently in the sixth and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, it’ll be a race to the finish line. Excellent tickets for all five of the Impact’s home games remaining can be found on impactmontreal.com
