Wanyama retains key role at CF Montreal ahead of MLS season opener

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FOOTBALL Wanyama retains key role at CF Montreal ahead of MLS season opener

Festus Chuma 10:13 - 23.02.2024

Victor Wanyama remains a key figure at CF Montreal, as the team gears up for their season opener against Orlando City SC.

Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama has once again secured his role as assistant captain of the Major League Soccer (MLS) side CF Impact Montreal.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, Montreal's new coach, Laurent Courtois, has expressed confidence in his leadership team, retaining Samuel Piette as the club's captain and naming Joel Waterman as another assistant captain, succeeding Kamal Miller who has moved to Portland Timbers.

Despite the team's challenging pre-season, marked by a lack of victories, the spirits within the camp remain high. 

Montreal are set to confront Orlando City SC this Saturday, February 24, at INTER&Co Stadium, with hopes of turning their fortunes around.

Courtois, who took the helm in January, has faced the challenge of quickly adapting to his new squad, utilizing the pre-season matches as crucial opportunities for experimentation. 

"The last thing I wanted was quiet, peaceful preparatory matches in terms of results. We believe we’re in the right place. We really experimented, especially in the last match," Courtois remarked after a recent training session.

The team's pre-season record of 0-3-1 might raise concerns among fans, but Courtois and his squad look beyond mere results. 

The emphasis has been on executing positive actions on the field and learning from each game, regardless of the outcome. 

The tactical approach under Courtois appears to diverge from his predecessor Hernan Losada's emphasis on verticality. 

However, the transition may not be as drastic, considering the continuity of players from the 2022 roster. 

Montreal's recent track record in season openers and early fixtures has been less than stellar, with consecutive losses marking the start of their previous campaigns. 

Additionally, their performance in away matches under Losada was a point of concern, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments this season.

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