AS IF HE NEVER LEFT
INJURED KAPPELHOF SEEMED ON HIS WAY OUT WITH FIRE; NOW HE’S HEALTHY AND READY TO SHOW STAYING POWER
When Johan Kappelhof was made available to Austin FC in the expansion draft, it seemed to confirm suspicions the veteran central defender wasn’t in the Fire’s blueprint for 2021.
Because of injuries, Kappelhof played only 200 minutes last season, with just 20 coming after the first two games. That combined with his age (30), high salary ($577,833 in 2019) and the fact there were other options at his position made it look as if the Fire might move him. But he met with coach Raphael Wicky after the season and was told the Fire weren’t planning to deal him away.
Now, with the 2021 regular season a month away, Kappelhof is back for his sixth year and competing for a spot in the starting 11.
“The fact that I was not protected for the draft, I think it’s pretty understandable,” he said.
“I was injured the whole season. I don’t think there was a big chance that Austin would trade [for] me or wanted me. It’s completely understandable, and this is, for me, a season to show myself again and to prove myself, show myself what I did in the past to have a good year again, and I’m looking forward to it.”
A healthy Kappelhof showing what he can do would be a big boost for the Fire. Although he prefers playing as a central defender, he fared well at right back in 2019. He even could play as a defensive-minded midfielder, and that versatility gives Wicky and the technical staff options that could have positive ramifications throughout the lineup.
It’s unclear how Wicky will use him in 2021, but it’s obvious that Kappelhof, the team’s longest-tenured player, was missed last season as the Fire made defensive mistakes at the worst times that helped keep them out of the playoffs.
“I think Johan has been a really important player for this club in the past years, and of course now that he’s healthy, we are really glad,” said captain Francisco Calvo, who was expected to be Kappelhof’s partner in central defense last year. “We are really glad he’s back on the field, having him training full-time with us, and I think he’s going to just put his quality into the team, his leadership into the team, and the team is going to get improved if all the guys are healthy and training with us every day.”
Despite limited time playing in Wichy’s scheme, Kappelhof thinks it meshes with his style. Plus, there are some qualities that fit in any plan, and Kappelhof’s steadiness and versatility are among them.
“He likes to [play] good football, build it from the back where it’s possible, and he likes energetic football, like runs without the ball and a lot of energy,” Kappelhof said. “You have to put a lot of energy in your game. You have to press and be ready for duels. I think that fits my style of play.”
“I think Johan has been a really important player for this club in the past years, and of course now that he’s healthy, we are really glad.” Francisco Calvo