Brotherly Game Archive
Pre-SuperDraft press conference highlights
Chris Albright and Jim Curtin spoke with the media Monday afternoon to discuss the upcoming MLS SuperDraft
Philadelphia Union Technical Director Chirs Albright and Head Coach Jim Curtin sat down for a conference with the media on Monday to discuss their off-season plans and strategy for Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft. The duo gave some hints to their plans for the draft in addition to some potential information on off-season signings.
Curtin and Albright addressed the recent reports about the signing of Maurice Edu to a permanent contract. They didn’t confirm the deal, but gave some useful information on his potential position if he does sign with the club
Albright also addressed rumors linking Anderlecht midfielder Sacha Kljestan to the Union.
Right now, the Union's first selection would be thirty-first, which the tenth pick of the second round. Curtin expressed willingness to move up in the draft if the price is right:
Curtin also stated that the team is actively looking to select a left back, especially if one happens to fall to them later in the draft.
Albright also fielded a question on the possibility of more Homegrown Players signing with the club.
While this press conference was not all that exciting, it did hold some clues as to what the Union's plans may be moving forward. If you read between the lines a bit, Albright and Curtin seemed confident that Edu would sign with the club on a permanent basis. Curtin even went as far as too hint that Edu would likely be playing at center back if he is with the club come pre-season. Assuming Curtin sticks with the formation he used last year, the team would probably be in the market for another defensive midfielder.
It’s not surprising that Albright danced around the question regarding the potential signing of Kljestan. Any potential move for the midfielder is a long way from being complete, there are trades that would likely need to be made in addition to having to beat out two of the richer clubs in MLS, the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy. But Albright praised Kljestan’s skill and said how he would like to see him sign in MLS.
So what are your thoughts on the press conference? Do you like the idea of Edu at center back? Should the team focus on signing a defensive midfielder this off-season? Have your say in the comment section below.
