Chivas' Preki pushing right buttons
Coaching style helping new players adapt to Red-and-White's system
Sixteen different players on the current Red-and-White roster have notched at least one assist, while nine have found the back of the net. More specifically, the team has been bolstered by the contributions of new players or rookies all season.
Of the nine players who have scored goals this year, five are new to MLS. Exactly half of those with at least one assist are in their first season with Chivas USA.
The ease with which new players seem to adapt to the Red-and-White system isn't an accident. Preki and his staff are well aware of the importance of welcoming new players and make it a practice to focus on such inclusion.
"We give them little points here and there and show them some things on the field and with videos that we hope will help them," said Preki of his newer players. "We hope that the work here on the training ground helps them and that they get better every week."
The latest additions to the Red-and-White roster are enjoying Preki's guidance as they continue to gel with the team. Yamith Cuesta, Jesús Padilla, and Maicon Santos, who all signed in the middle of August, have played a big part in moving Chivas USA into playoff contention since their arrivals.
"Preki gives us a lot of confidence, both on the field as a coach and off it as a friend," said Cuesta. "I also get it from just being a part of a team like Chivas with such a great coach and such great players. I'm very happy here and am excited to keep pushing for the playoffs."
Cuesta has made five starts at center back for the Red-and-White since he arrived in Los Angeles, helping the squad to three shutouts during that time.
"Things are going well for me," said Cuesta. "The team is winning. We just need to continue playing the way we've been playing and we'll be in good shape."
At the other end of the pitch, Padilla has added a spark to the Chivas USA offense. Padilla joined the Red-and-White on loan from sister club Chivas de Guadalajara and netted his first goal for the club last Saturday against D.C. United.
"I've wanted to score since I got here," said Padilla. "I was actually joking with the medical staff the day before about how it was time for me to score, and then the next day I put it in the net. It came in my seventh game and I was excited."
Like Cuesta, Padilla cites the Chivas USA coaching staff as a major help to his settling into the club.
"When new players come to the team, the coaches guide them and give them the confidence to know that they can put it in the net," said Padilla. "That makes me confident to step into the box and take my shots."
The Red-and-White will continue to rely on their strong team chemistry and confidence as they enter their final quartet of league games.
"It's important for us that each of our players is capable of performing," said Cuesta. "That's what will help us through."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com
