Moments before his first training session under new head coach Ron Jans, Darren Mattocks said he’s looking forward to working with the Dutchman on Saturday night in Columbus and for the remainder of the season.
“He seems pretty vibrant and I like that,” Mattocks said of Jans. “He’s really enthusiastic, so hopefully we can translate that to points. Everyone’s ready to work hard and pick up where (assistant coach) Yoann (Damet) left off.”
The timing is an intriguing one.
After FC Cincinnati’s 2-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Jans was announced as the team’s new head coach the following night. On Monday, Jans was introduced to the media and on Tuesday he coached his first practice.
All of this happens days away from the biggest game of the season to this point – the first #HELLISREAL Derby in MLS history on Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium.
During his introductory press conference, Jans said the focus will be on Cincinnati and less on the opponent. Damet and the previous coaching staff are used to preparing for MLS opponents, so Jans wanted to use this week to acclimate himself. The acclimation period ends in a baptism by fire.
“It’s pretty cool that his first game is a derby so that’ll give him an extra taste of what MLS is like,” Mattocks said of Jans arriving for the big match. “For the players, it’s definitely a proving point and for the club, too.
“It’s for bragging points, so we want to do it for our fans. The fans have been going to all the home games, so two hours up the road in Columbus, I’m sure they expect to have a lot of fans there.”
Orange and Blue supporters are still able to purchase tickets to the match.
Mattocks said he’s personally looking forward to playing against Columbus Crew SC Head Coach Caleb Porter. The coach was Mattocks’ when he won a national championship at the University of Akron.
“They’re only two hours away, so that’s going to be really exciting against my former coach from Akron. That’s (a reason to) try going over there and prove a point. It’s not just for me, it’s the entire club. We need to pick up points.”
