A welcome break for Wilmer Cabrera’s men
Friday’s training sessions usually aren’t the most intense ones. With a game usually scheduled on Saturday, a lighter session is usually the recipe employed by the head coach, giving players more time to ensure they’re well rested to take the stage come gameday.
But with the team in the middle of an international break and no game on the horizon until the following Saturday, head coach Wilmer Cabrera took advantage of Friday’s session to run a very complete practice, covering everything from set-pieces to mini-matches, and running just over two hours’ time.
For the Colombian head coach, the break couldn’t have come at a better time: things have moved fast since his arrival just over two weeks ago, and this time will be crucial in allowing him to get to know the team, while instilling his philosophy.
“This break is allowing us to train better and get to know our new coaches,” said Impact defender Zachary Brault-Guillard. “It also allows us to put certain patterns in place for the future. We’re doing long sessions, but we need them. We need to regain confidence. We want to move forward and win a cup and qualify for the playoffs.”
The Impact has four games left in the MLS regular season and remains in the thick of things regarding the playoff race, currently on the outside looking in but only a point behind Toronto FC in the last playoff spot.
Wilmer Cabrera’s men won’t only be battling the Torontonians in the table; the two Canadian clubs will face off in the Canadian Championship final, which will be played over two legs at the end of September. For the Impact, everything is still on the table in this final stretch.
“We feel everyone’s desire in the group to push and win our next games. We push each other and our training sessions are intense. Everyone is healthy as well, which is great.”
That includes Nacho Piatti, who’s been out since the beginning of August due to injury. The Argentine returned to training on Thursday, taking part in two full sessions, and we should expect the midfielder to make a potential return, when the Impact takes on FC Cincinnati next Saturday at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690).
