The wait for Atlanta United’s 2024 home opener is almost over, and the squad is on the tail end of an early bye-week highlighted by tactical fine-tuning, continued team bonding, and a fully healthy complement of players.
The Five Stripes spent Tuesday morning running a variety of fast-paced drills in increasingly rainy and windy conditions at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. They’re set to receive a couple of days of practice on the new turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, too, before 70,000 fans pack the Benz on Saturday when they face off against New England Revolution.
Defensive midfielder Bartosz Slisz and left back Caleb Wiley spoke to media just after training, and both highlighted how the two weeks after the season opener against Columbus have allowed more time for the team to gel.
It starts from off the pitch,” Caleb said, “y’know, building that bond off the pitch and getting to know each other a lot more. It’s been really good so far.” Wiley also noted that the Columbus match was still a step in the right direction, and the training since then has helped shore up some of the mistakes made. He mentioned that the pairing between Derrick Williams and himself would grow with each training session and each game as they continue to learn each other’s tendencies.
Slisz mentioned the same about he and Thiago Almada’s midfield relationship.
“He’s a great player, I think I can pass the ball between the lines to him and he’ll be able to turn and attack. After the first game I saw a lot of good moments [with Thiago Almada] but I think, like I said, there’s a lot to improve.”
Slisz also noted how much he’s enjoyed Atlanta so far after the big move from Poland. He mentioned the Polish community in Atlanta is bigger than he thought, and how everyone has made him feel welcome – especially the folks at the meet and greet at the Atlanta United team store in Atlantic Station a few days prior. Plus, he’s found some “tasty” Polish food in the city and recommended some legit pierogi for people to get a taste of his home country.
From a media standpoint, Atlanta United look hyped and ready for the home opener on Saturday. Wiley and Slisz’s statements about the continued chemistry building aren’t just words, the little interactions amongst groups of players at different points during training prove that they’re building the intangibles needed to help them be successful on the pitch. Of course, the payoff has to be three points and ultimately a successful season, but the building blocks are definitely present.
“We gave them [Columbus] too much respect,” Slisz said, “but Saturday will be a different game.”
Atlanta United are back to work at 7:30 Saturday evening when New England Revolution come to town as they look to snag their first win – and first goals – of the season.
The Scarves and Spikes guys will be hosting a free live show at the Nest on Four bar at the brand new Signia by Hilton hotel next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Home Depot Backyard for your pre-match enjoyment starting at 5:30 before the home opener! Come hang out, grab a drink, chat with us about Atlanta United, and we’ll get you out with plenty of time to get inside the Benz for the party! The bar is easily accessible just by walking into the hotel from the Backyard and going up the escalators to the fourth floor, where the bar overlooks Atlanta’s home pitch. See you there!
Does anyone else feel slightly disconnected with this awkward gap in games? Felt like week 1 was a false start. Anticipation is starting to build back up as we get closer to this weekend. Look forward to seeing the new players in person.
Yeah, definitely. I know SOMEONE has to have the week off, but teams not in CCC could’ve had Wednesday games to avoid a 2 week gap at the beginning of the season. And that would alleviate some of the midseason congestion during international breaks that Gray highlighted in a previous article.
But MLS gonna MLS I guess..
Sorry… Grey* (I hate when people spell my name wrong)