MLS

Down The Hatch: May 28

Down The Hatch

FCC have a new head coach, and players can start training together during small group training sessions! Not bad considering all the previous weeks we’ve had filled with speculation.


Like always, questions can be submitted here or by tweeting at me. Thanks!


TheartofAdam: Overall would you consider this time off as helpful or harmful to our FCC?

It depends who you ask, honestly.


It certainly allowed for FC Cincinnati to have an even more extensive coaching search, but now Jaap Stam, assistant coach Said Bakkati and general manager Gerard Nijkamp are still in the Netherlands.


This should help Stam have more of a “fresh start” with the team in comparison to when Ron Jans came late in the 2019 – days away from playing in the HELL IS REAL Derby.


This was never publicized at the time, but FCC had a significant injury concerns going into the 2020 home opener. Jürgen Locadia and Adrien Regattin were nursing ailments, while Siem de Jong had only arrived in Cincinnati days earlier.


The down time has allowed players to gel and get healthy for what comes next.


Philadelphia
unionmemes: How’s Medunjanin doing?

Haris Medunjanin is doing well, although no 35-year-old player wants to be in a spot when you can’t play matches on schedule. Time matters a little more to him that it likely would for a teenager. He’s mentioned this a few times in interviews. That said, he’s doing well and has been a nice addition to the midfield.


Jayasri
alaparthy: When do you think we will be able to watch you guys playing again! Looking forward to it!

There’s no official date for the regular season to resume, but it sounds like we’re getting closer. There are ongoing negotiations about this now and hopefully we know more soon!


Megs_029:  What’s your favorite area in the stadium?

I like the west concourse at Nippert Stadium. I’m usually only there once games end and I go from the press box to the locker room.


The press box is really, really quiet, so the concourse is usually a refreshing wall of noise. Plus, when FCC win, seeing everyone smiling is rewarding.


I’ve probably only stood outside during a game a handful of times – sadly – so I’m always amazed when I get to hear what it sounds like inside the lower bowl.


A lot of people asked about the FC Cincinnati Academy. Your answers can be found on the Academy’s FAQ page.