Coach Henry sees need on defence in his first revealing Impact practice
MONTREAL — Thierry Henry is fully aware the Montreal Impact are lacking depth on defence after just one practice.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona star, who was hired as Montreal’s head coach in November, says the Impact are contemplating roster moves after losing key defensive players in the off-season.
“We’re working behind the scenes to see if we can add some reinforcements,” Henry, 42, said after his first practice on Tuesday. “But, as a coach, I need to work with the players I have. “We have a good number of wingers and forwards. Ideally we would need to acquire two or three defenders, if possible.”
Twenty-eight players are at training camp, which moves to Orlando, Fla., later this week. Only four of those are defenders with any Major League Soccer experience: Rod Fanni, Jukka Raitala, Rudy Camacho and Jorge Corrales.
The Impact are close to acquiring Canadian centre back
Joel Waterman, a standout with Calgary-based Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League. A team official confirmed a deal was imminent.
Henry’s first practice was very light, about an hour. The former French international did not want to overexert his players.
“After an hour of training, very good so far,” said the retired striker, who signed a two-year deal with an option for 2022. “Application was good and the guys trained with the right intensity. We need to be careful about that because they haven’t done anything for a very long time. But I’m happy with the first day. It was nice to see the players (in person) because I’ve been watching a lot of video. But it’s different to be here, to see who plays and how.” Henry, who previously coached AS Monaco in Ligue 1, has his work cut out for him with a new season soon. His first match is Feb. 19 when the Impact travel to Costa Rica for the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions League roundof-16 series against Deportivo
Saprissa. A return leg is Feb. 26.
Montreal then begins its MLS campaign three days later at home to New England. The Impact are looking for their first post-season berth since 2016. They went 12-17-5 last season.
“This team hasn’t made the playoffs in three years. That’s no accident. We have to work on that,” Henry said.
That gives the Premier League legend four weeks to make some crucial roster decisions. Maxi Urruti and Anthony Jackson-Hamel are battling for the team’s main striker position. In goal, Evan Bush and Clement Diop want the starting job.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ignacio Piatti was back in an Impact uniform, putting an end to offseason speculation. It was rumoured Piatti wanted to stay in Argentina with his family, even though the Impact exercised the option on his deal for 2020.
“There’s no problem,” he said. “It’s a new year and I’m here. My family is there (Argentina), so it’s going to be a difficult year for me. But I’m under contract, so I’m here.”