Breel Embolo’s debut with Atlanta United will be on hold as he gets his visa sorted out, but the team’s newest signing was on hand at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday to watch them take on Sporting Kansas City.
“It’s impressive. It’s a huge stadium. Of course I cannot be on the pitch today…but I’m trying to be close to the team to (learn everything) about the club,” Embolo told Apple TV’s Jillian Sakovits during a pre-match interview.
Embolo said that he was unplugging with his family after the World Cup break initially “was not ready” when the club texted him about a possible transfer. But the Switzerland international was impressed with his overall experience in the United States while playing in the World Cup, along with the club’s overall approach.
“Since the first day, the love, the desire to get me here was huge,” he said. “The more (I) think about it, the more it gets real. I feel the love, the quality of everything here in this country.”
Embolo will be hoping to boost what’s been a disappointing Atlanta attack. Despite scoring six goals in their last three matches, the Five Stripes’ 23 goals are the second-fewest in MLS.
“I want to bring my experience. Of course, I’m a striker, so I want to score. But the most important thing is to win. That is, in the end, what counts,” Embolo said.
“I always try to give everything. I think that’s the most important thing, to be in front, to score, to help others score, and to get the fans happy.”
[…] Atlanta's cast of unknown attackers begins to seem like more of a trait than a weakness, so long as the Five Stripes keep getting contributions from everyone. Russian winger Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United with five goals on the season, yet it was Haiti's national team reserve striker Fafà Picault whose winning goal made the difference against Sporting KC. Atlanta has also signed the Swiss striker Breel Embolo away from Ligue 1, but his debut is “on hold,” as per Sydney Hunte of Scarves and Stripes. […]
This is the most milquetoast, anodyne interview possible. New free agent signing says “I’m happy to be here and just want to help the team.” It’s essentially the rules of interviews from Bull Durham. It is unfathomable that someone would find any of it offensive.
“was not ready” when the club texted him about a transfer.
NOT impressed. This guy will have to win me over with his play. I feel like everything I’ve read, he thinks he is too good for this league. That has proven to be an issue with other players not succeeding. I hope I am wrong, but maybe it is at the least, a good transition to the next phase of DP’s. Latte seemed like a great dude that just didn’t perform, maybe embolo is a guy who puts the ball in the net, until we right the ship. I’m just not impressed at all with the PR on this guy.
Probably need to pair this with another interview I heard. The club tried to sign him earlier. He wanted to focus on wrapping up the world cup and take a break with his family. He discussed the decision with his family while on vacation, and they all agreed with the move. That is why he said he was not initially ready. To me, that seems completely reasonable.
Correct, and I updated the story to add that context.
Honestly makes me feel a lot better knowing that. Thanks
I wish him the best.