As the MLS Summer transfer window opened, Atlanta United has already announced two reinforcements to the defense: Enea Mihaj and Juan Berrocal. Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderseon spoke to media on Thursday about the work the front office is doing to "improve the team."
"We need to do some things to support our Designated Players and to build around them, improving our defense," said Henderson. "Attacking and defending is something the whole team needs to do, but we need to improve our defending, and we are addressing that."
Henderson added that the club is constantly looking to improve and how this and the next transfer window are essential to make a competitive team that competes for championships. As part of the process to bring in new players, Henderson affirmed that President and CEO Garth Lagerwey is part of the decision making process, with a committee that includes head coach Ronny Deila, Senior Vice President of Strategy Dimitrious Efstathiou, the data analyst team and the scouting department.
"There's a lot that goes into signing new players. Our scouts are out there meeting with players, meeting with agents, to get a feeling whether or not the players will be good for the roster we have. There's probably at least 12 people involved in the signing of a new player," said Henderson.
Henderson also addressed how important the Academy is for the club and how it continues to feed players for Atlanta United 2 and the first team. ATL UTD Academy product Cooper Sanchez was signed to his third short term agreement for Saturday's match vs Seattle Sounders.
One returner for the weekend
Atlanta United's availability report Friday did not include one player who was listed previously and can continue to strenghten the defense, Stian Gregersen. The Norwegian center back suffered a quad injury that has sidelined him for three months, but is finally back available for selection on Saturday.
Player | Injury | Status |
Josh Cohen | Arm | Out |
Jay Fortune | Foot | Out |
Atlanta United's recent signing Enea Mihaj is also available for selection this Saturday after he was introduced to the media this week, following his transfer from Portuguese side Famalicão. Mihaj has been training with the team all week at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground and has expressed his excitement for joining the 5-Stripes.
"I have been working individually before coming here, the club gave me a program to follow, and I've been giving everything in training and I've been soon available," said Mihaj on Tuesday when speaking to media. "For Saturday, that's a decision for the coach."
Mihaj has also been assessing the team and understands the responsibilities the players have for the later part of the season. He said he's watched all of the last five matches, and was even present last Saturday when Atlanta hosted Charlotte.
"I'm an aggressive defender, I can read the game very well and I can help defend in the box," said Mihaj about his approach to the game. "I understand what the coach wants from me and the team. I like the way of playing and the way he thinks about the team attracts me very well."
Mihaj added that he enjoys how the team likes to build from behind and accepts his responsibility to generating chances from the defense.
Atlanta United hosts Seattle Sounders this Saturday, July 26 (7:30 pm) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (View tickets here)
