Addressing the media ahead of the final home match at Nippert Stadium, FC Cincinnati Head Coach Ron Jans offered insight in the match, an injury update and his thoughts ahead of hosting Orlando City SC.
His thoughts on the final home game
“It looks like kind of a goodbye game,” Jans said. “We have one more game to go against D.C. United, but (Sunday) is special for a lot of people, so we want to say goodbye in a very good way with a good performance.”
Jans on how to stop Orlando’s Nani and Dom Dwyer
“The way we defended the last games, we conceded less goals and I think defenders are very strong defending the box,” Jans said. “We still have to fight like in the second half against Chicago. We did better to press a bit more in the mid block and win the ball so we don’t have to defend too deep like in the first half.”
Injury update
Jans said Kekuta Manneh is doing well following his shoulder surgery.
“He’s doing well and feeling no pain, but it’s a long rehabilitation recovery.” The Dutchman said.
Additionally, Darren Mattocks will also miss the rest of the season, and Corben Bone will be unavailable with a slight knock.
Kendall Waston is suspended with a one-match ban following yellow card accumulation, but can play next week at the D.C. United.
This wasn’t addressed, but Jimmy McLaughlin, who’s missed 2019 with an ACL injury, trained with the team for the first time this week. It wasn’t full participation, but it was a nice reintroduction after months on the sideline.
Jans also said Spencer Richey will return to full training next week
After missing time with a back injury, Richey will return to full participation alongside his teammates for the final week of the regular season. The goalkeeper’s hasn’t played since July 21 against the New England Revolution, and Przemysław Tytoń has been the starter, while Jimmy Hague is the backup.
