Patrick Vieira will continue to experiment with his lineup and tactics in the remaining friendly matches of preseason 2018.
The Frenchman addressed the media alongside captain David Villa at the home of Tuesday night’s opponents, Atletico San Luis and revealed that he will know more about his starting XI for Sporting KC on March 4 after the game.
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He told reporters: “We are looking forward to the game. We’re in the middle of our preparations. We are physically at a good level. We’re going to play against a team with a different type of football than we get in MLS.
“We know they’re a very good side and we will know more about where we are after this game. We have just a few games left of preseason, so tomorrow we’re going to find out where we are physically and tactically.”
Vieira believes that MLS will be more competitive than ever before in his third season.
He picked out Toronto, Orlando and Atlanta United as three of the teams who could be rivals for the Eastern Conference but he believes that his team will challenge, especially after he’s had the chance to assess the quality in his squad over the next two matches.
“I strongly believe we have the squad to compete against the best teams in the league,” he asserted.
“Toronto are going to be a rival, Orlando have improved and Atlanta will be tough but I strongly believe that we have the squad to compete with the best teams in the league.
“We played against LAFC and then Galaxy – I played two teams that I mixed. Every game helped me as a coach to try to find the best starting XI for our first game of the league against Kansas.
“I will try different formations of course, players in different positions. All of these friendly games will let me try things. What is important for me is that the team has to be ready for Kansas, physically and tactically.”
Patrick was asked a more general question about his coaching style towards the end of the press conference as one reporter asked if he had built a team in his image.
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Vieira responded: “I think that the team always reflects the character and personality of the coach.
“When I was playing, I was lucky to play under some fantastic managers. Some of the best in the world, so I owe a lot to them.
“As a coach, I want to have leaders on the field – David is one of them and I like to give players responsibility. I give them the philosophy and the way we play but, on the field, they have to take responsibility.”
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