Ahead of FC Cincinnati’s road match at FC Dallas on Saturday night, here are the key takeaways from Head Coach Ron Jans’ final media availability:
Lineup changes are coming.
Following the loss last Sunday to Columbus Crew SC, Jans said he’ll start giving new players opportunities to play and earn a spot on FCC’s 2020 roster. The match in Dallas is the first chance to see who Jans wants to see play.
“I already told the press and the players that in the last seven games we have some players who didn’t play yet or maybe just a few minutes and they got more chances now to show what they can do,” Jans said. “I think we’ve got some good talents and we’ve got some players who come back from injuries. So, you will see some new faces in the last few games.”
Greg Garza will be among the Orange and Blue 18
The left back last played on May 19, but he injured his calf minutes into the 5-1 loss to Orlando City SC. The match in Dallas could mark his return to the field and will be just miles from his hometown. Garza is from Grapevine and the match is in Frisco.
“He’s from Dallas and he’s had a difficult season with an injury already in preseason,” Jans said of Garza. “I think it’s time for him to show what he can do. He’s very important for the team, and, on the ball, he’s experienced. He had to wait so long but he’s worked very hard to come back.
It’s going to be hot in North Texas. Like, feels like 100+ degrees hot. So, how will Cincinnati handle the heat and keep the high press?
“You have to choose the right moments,” Jans said. “We have to do the press better than we did in Columbus. I think Dallas will play in the same stadium and in the same temperature as us. So, they have the same problem. I know you cannot press 90 minutes when the weather is really hot and humid, so you have to choose the right moments.”
During his introductory press conference, Jans pointed out he’s intrigued but the long distances his have to travel for away games. His first taste of that is this weekend.
This is second road match he’s coached, but the first was in Columbus and the team traveled on a bus.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go with the bus to Dallas,” he joked.
He’s been to Texas once before when he visited Austin.
“I know the history of Dallas with John F. Kennedy,” the Dutchman said. “I know the Dallas Cowboys, but I will meet FC Dallas, and I know they’re a good team.”
But in terms of travel in general, Jans said he’s looking forward to it. FCC have three road matches left: FC Dallas, Montreal Impact and D.C. United.
“One of my goals of coming to America is building up something with FC Cincinnati and to live and experience the United States of America and that’s including travel. So for me, it’s not a problem, it’s more of a challenge.”
