March 17, 2016
A crowded midfield might be even more congested when Tranquillo Barnetta and Vincent Nogueira return to full health.
The former is now training with the team after missing the first two games with knee tendinitis. Curtin says he's happy with the progress of his presumed number 10; the concern is fitness and whether or not Barnetta is capable of jumping into immediate action.
As for Nogueira, Curtin describes his status as "day-to-day". The French midfielder was restricted to the gym and non-team activities early in the week, but was projected to resume full participation by Thursday morning. Nogueira was a late scratch Saturday after picking up an ankle injury in the week's final training session.
Jim Curtin's sideline demeanor since 2014 has certainly been passive.
The Union manager doesn't do a lot of yelling. He doesn't waste time barking at the fourth official and he doesn't flail around trying to grab player attention.
There's no right or wrong way to do things. It's really just a matter of preference and style.
But it does look a bit different this year, at least to some people. Curtin seems to be off the bench a bit more, directing players and offering instruction. That's probably not a surprise, considering that there are a number of new guys trying to play a slightly different system this year.
"Yeah, I guess that’s a fair assessment," Curtin said. "I actually, it crossed my mind, too, in the games. I’m usually a guy who maybe sits and observes and tries to stay calm. I think I still remain calm on the sidelines but, yeah, I think it’s fair to point out that I have been up a little bit more. Part of it is maybe I’m close to some of the younger guys who are out there and trying to give little (pieces of instruction). It’s difficult to communicate in the game but you prepare them your best, you hope they’re ready. I thought against Columbus we were and the guys put in a good performance. But, yeah, I guess no real reason other than just, I don’t know, maybe it’s just gone that way, maybe something’s happened early on that I wanted to jump up and give a little advice.
Curtin still has a way to go before reaching this level of sideline demonstration:
GIF 📸 | Louis van Gaal takes a ‘dive’ in debate with the fourth official.😂 pic.twitter.com/hObPQGjPfk
— May 24 ı 92:48. (@Cristianoista) February 28, 2016
Warren Creavalle is a quiet guy who appears to do his talking on the field.
The defensive mid was informed during Saturday's pregame meal that he would be starting in place of the injured Nogueira. Creavalle put in decent and disruptive shift, with five interceptions, two clearances, and five recoveries.
He spoke with Philly Voice after Wednesday's training session.
Philly Voice: Thoughts on getting the call last week? It seemed like a bit of a unique situation with the late injury.
Creavalle: It was good. You just have to stay ready for moments like that. That's why the whole team trains. You just have to be ready.
PV: Does it change anything preparation-wise when you get short notice?
WC: No, I just prepare the same way whether I'm starting or not.
PV: Did the coaching staff give any specific instructions going into the game?
WC: Well, throughout the week I had been getting reps in the middle. That game specifically, they wanted the whole team to kind of press and not let Columbus play through their lines, between Wil Trapp, Tony Tchani, and Federico Higuain. So, the coaches just wanted pressure on the ball.
PV: You've played some fullback in the past. Do you feel more comfortable in one spot versus the other?
WC: For the most part, center midfield. That's where I grew up playing, so that's more of my my home.
PV: You played more of that in Houston, correct?
WC: Yea.
PV: A different shape down there? 4-4-2 right?
WC: Yea, we played with two central players, so I was more of the defensive guy.
PV: So was it any different playing in this shape and having Brian Carroll sitting a bit deeper behind you?
WC: It's a bit different, just for the fact that I can get a bit higher going forward. I can stay on a 'higher line', if you will. Defensively, it's a lot of the same kind of work, as far as just trying to break-up plays and keeping the ball moving.
PV: Coming home now, you're looking at positive momentum from this win. Do you sense how much of a boost that win gives you, versus playing the home opener on a two-game losing streak to start the year?
WC: I think it's good. It was definitely good to go into Columbus and get those three points. Now we can come home and hopefully get another win here. But that win in Columbus doesn't mean much if we don't come here and get a result.
PV: Jim set a goal of ten home wins this season. Is that realistic?
WC: I think it's absolutely realistic. It's about focus and really creating a fortress at home, creating something special here. I think it's doable, for sure.
