By Jack McCarthy
They're still getting acquainted, but new Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos and his players like what they see so far.
"The philosophy he keeps talking about is something any player would be excited to be a part of," veteran Brian McBride said following a Wednesday workout. "Everyone's going to have to work hard, but he wants everyone to enjoy what they're doing, but also be passionate."
Twenty-seven players participated in light drills for two and half hours on the artificial turf at the McCook Athletic and Exposition center.
They're still getting acquainted, but new Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos and his players like what they see so far.
"The philosophy he keeps talking about is something any player would be excited to be a part of," veteran Brian McBride said following a Wednesday workout. "Everyone's going to have to work hard, but he wants everyone to enjoy what they're doing, but also be passionate."
Twenty-seven players participated in light drills for two and half hours on the artificial turf at the McCook Athletic and Exposition center.
"The players are very smart and professional and they have a
willingness to work," de los Cobos said. "They understand what I want
and I don't think any problems (preventing) the team from coming
together."
The Fire depart for Phoenix on Thursday for two weeks of training at Arizona State University. Later trips to Guadalajara, Mexico, Jackson, Miss., and New Orleans are also scheduled.
But looming over all Major League Soccer training camps are continued negotiations between players and the league over a new collective bargaining agreement and the possibility that camps could be shut if a new deal is not reached.
The old seven-year pact came to an end on Jan. 31, but both sides agreed to extend terms through Feb. 12, accoring to a joint press release.
"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," the release said. "This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps."
Salary structure, limits to guaranteed contracts and player movements are among issues on the table.
Fire captain C.J. Brown said he wasn't close enough to the talks to speculate on the progress of negotiations.
"We're going to have meetings to figure it out," he said. "You definitely want to get it resolved because everyone wants to play and that's what it's all about."
In other team news, de los Cobos added fitness coach Alvaro Briones, who worked under de los Cobos on El Salvador's national team. Mike Matkovich was promoted to first assistant.
The Fire will open the 2010 season March 27 against New York in the new Red Bull Arena.
The Fire depart for Phoenix on Thursday for two weeks of training at Arizona State University. Later trips to Guadalajara, Mexico, Jackson, Miss., and New Orleans are also scheduled.
But looming over all Major League Soccer training camps are continued negotiations between players and the league over a new collective bargaining agreement and the possibility that camps could be shut if a new deal is not reached.
The old seven-year pact came to an end on Jan. 31, but both sides agreed to extend terms through Feb. 12, accoring to a joint press release.
"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," the release said. "This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps."
Salary structure, limits to guaranteed contracts and player movements are among issues on the table.
Fire captain C.J. Brown said he wasn't close enough to the talks to speculate on the progress of negotiations.
"We're going to have meetings to figure it out," he said. "You definitely want to get it resolved because everyone wants to play and that's what it's all about."
In other team news, de los Cobos added fitness coach Alvaro Briones, who worked under de los Cobos on El Salvador's national team. Mike Matkovich was promoted to first assistant.
The Fire will open the 2010 season March 27 against New York in the new Red Bull Arena.
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