CF Montreal’s new head coach, Laurent Courtois, has already left his mark after a week of training camp in Tucson, Arizona. And hearing what the players have to say about him, we understand how great the disorganization was in the Montreal camp in 2023.
Courtois also left a very positive impression on one of the leaders of the young Montreal squad, Quebecer Samuel Piette, who spoke with RDS Monday.
True to form, Piette was generous and thoughtful in his responses, as the club’s supporters are curious about the effect the hiring of new head coach Laurent Courtois will have.
Not only did the native of Le Gardeur have excellent words for his instructor, but he wanted to make it clear that this is not just a simple public relations exercise.
“The first contact (with Laurent) was very good. We had a very good conversation. In all honesty, he is a good person with very good values. I think he’ll be happy to be here, happy to have been chosen by Montreal. When you feel wanted and you also want to be there, that’s a big positive point,” Piette emphasized from the outset, barely concealing her disappointment with the way the stay went. of a season of Hernan Losada with the CFM.
“We enjoy being with him (…) We have regained the joy of training and playing. Yes, the training is difficult, but we learn a lot, both collectively and individually. The exercises are enjoyable. It’s only a week, but it’s all positive, and I’m not saying that to make it look good,” insisted the 29-year-old defensive midfielder.
A much less tense atmosphere
The simple fact of not practicing without feeling a certain fear of being reproached plays a big part in the equation.
We 100% needed this breath of fresh air. In a new voice, a new approach. A little more clarity in terms of requests, he continued. On this, Laurent Courtois seems very good at getting his message across. It is always done with respect, with non-judgment of what has been done before. (…) He knows that we did things that worked with Wilfried [Nancy]. There will be similar stuff, but there will be additions that will be good for the group. »
“Basically, he is such a bon vivant that you feel a little more relaxed in the presence of the group. When it’s time to work, you don’t feel like you’re walking on eggshells. For the youngest – we have several Academy players – having working conditions like that is more pleasant than being afraid of making mistakes. (For Laurent), the mistakes we make in training, whether technical or tactical, he focuses on what you tried. Was this the right option? Whether you succeeded or not is less important,” explained Piette.
The young father did not hide his excitement at having learned of the excellent news concerning the sale of tickets for the 17 local CFM matches.
“Very happy to know that the stadium will be full for each match, quite like it was last year, even if our performance was not beyond expectations. (…) The pool of supporters in Montreal is big. Yes, there will be Messi’s visit which will be a happening, and we know that Montreal likes to be present for an important event. But there are also 16 other matches where Messi will not be there, and tickets have already sold out. People want to love the club, and the club also wants to continue to get closer to the fans.
Same enthusiasm at Duke and Campbell
“I am excited by the arrival of Laurent Courtois. We have a good idea of how he wants us to play. The tactics are clear, it’s good for us players and we didn’t really have that last year, said midfielder Bryce Duke by videoconference to Frédéric Daigle of The Canadian Press. (…) I will be able to take advantage of this, whether I am a starter or a substitute.
“The coach’s message is very clear about the way he plays,” he added later in the conversation. The players know exactly what is expected of them and he is direct. He doesn’t beat around the bush and we don’t have to guess his message. This is a guy who tells you directly what he expects. It helps the players. Its rules on and off the field are clear. »
Acquired from Inter Miami last April, Duke seemed confused by Hernan Losada’s use of him last season.
“I played a few matches [à mon arrivée] and I think we had an eight-game unbeaten streak. It was difficult for me to build a rhythm: I think I was the player replaced at half-time most often. I also injured my hamstring and it was difficult to get back into rhythm afterwards. I will try to stay healthy in order to put the chances on my side.
“Each coach is different, with his qualities and his faults. What we didn’t have last year were clear answers, Duke continued. So there are no excuses for the players this season: we know exactly what is expected of us. »
Playing time to gain
If Duke saw his playing time decrease during the season, that of center back George Campbell increased in 2023. But the two players are taking nothing for granted for the coming season.
“I think everyone is leaving with a fresh slate because of the new coach,” Campbell said. I believe he will select those who will give him the best football in the style he wants to play. »
“We only have a week gone, so everyone is starting from scratch,” Duke confirmed. We all have to earn our playing time. We will have a first preparatory match this weekend. We will have to do well and play the style of game he asked us to play. I will have to make sure to control the aspects that I can control and make sure I don’t give him the choice to leave me on the field. »
The traffic may be a little denser in central defense, but Campbell is not overly concerned.
“I haven’t talked to the coach about my use yet. I’ve had a new coach every season of my career so far. I’m not expecting anything and I’m trying to earn my playing time. I’m going to do my best again. »
The CFM will play four preparatory matches in February, in Fort Lauderdale (Florida), starting with that of Wednesday, February 8, against Florida International University, an NCAA club.
2024-01-22 21:37:05
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