The New England Revolution have just one point from four games in 2019. Worse, they are 3-12-5 in their last 20 MLS outings. Despite this, head coach Brad Friedel is adamant that he has the resources he needs to be successful.
“Of course [we have the resources we need],” Friedel remarked during Sunday’s press conference. “And we will have another Designated Player coming through the door...[We are building a] thirty-five million dollar training facility to take us up to the next level. A lot of money poured into the academy.
“We have the same salary cap as every other team in the league...We’ve hired two full-time [scouts] and I’m sure we’ll look to expand on that, as and when needed. The resources are here.”
The past year has brought some big changes to the Revolution, who broke ground on a new training facility and welcomed three new Homegrown Players. The club also reportedly paid a $2 million transfer fee to bring in Designated Player Carles Gil. Gil has repaid the Revs’ faith by scoring all three of their goals.
Still, results haven’t gone the Revolution’s way. After a strong start to 2018, opponents found a way to neutralize the press, which led to a disappointing second half of the season. This trend has continued in 2019 despite a tactical evolution.
The Revs do have plans to add to their roster, namely through another Designated Player. They have a target in mind, but must to be patient because he’s currently under contract.
“Getting a player out from Europe, who’s very good, in January, is really difficult, really difficult,” Friedel explained. “[This has] nothing to do with money. [It has] to do with the club allowing the player to leave. That’s really what this amounts to.”
Friedel didn’t reveal any specifics about the target—no hints regarding name or position—but did say that he has a connection to the player. Perhaps more important, the player wants to come to New England.
“This is a player who’s been scouted a long, long time, who I know personally,” Friedel said. “I’ve known him for many, many years. [He] wants to play here, [he] wants to live here.”
Friedel noted that it’s possible that the new DP could arrive by May 7. If that isn’t the case, he will likely join the club in July. Until then, Friedel and the Revs will continue to push on.