Tuesday's Practice Pitch Updates With Berhalter Audio

The Columbus Crew were back on the practice pitch Tuesday morning in the midst of some rather wet weather. Everything was short and sweet, including the interview with head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Notes

Federico Higuain, Wil Trapp, and Tony Tchani talked at midfield well after training had conclude. The conversation looked rather animated and I was told that during training, the three were consistently communicating and trying to sort out their connections in the midfield.

Conversation with Berhalter

• Berhatler called the LA Galaxy an experienced team that has confidence in each other. This is how they are able to get hot at the right time seemingly every year. He said as the season becomes more meaningful, they step up.
• When asked about Zardes and his scoring, Berhalter said he thinks playing him up top makes a big difference in his performances. He says they provide Zardes with good balls, but he also moves off Robbie Keane well.
• Berhalter said new signing Romain Gall has looked, "better than expected." He explained that his fitness is better than the Crew anticipated. He did caution that Gall still has a way to go. Berhalter said the film on him was different because now he's playing with men.
• When asked about Gall's position, Berhalter reiterated that he would likely play in a role behind the forward. He said he needs to get a bit more aggressive on one v. one, but said he is adjusting well to being in Columbus.
• Berhalter was asked about center midfielders Tchani and Trapp both needing one yellow card to earn a suspension and said his instructions to them were "don't get a yellow." Berhalter said they will take it as it comes and they have players to step in. He said he just wants them to play their regular game.
• Berhalter said he thought LA's best game was on the road against the Seattle Sounders (a 3-0 win). He said the important thing is to play our game and see if they can unsettle the Galaxy.
• Berhalter said he expects LA to come and play. He called them a group that wants to attack and pointed to using Robbie Rogers as a left back instead of a midfielder because he can get forward.
• Asked what Landon Donovan, who announced he will retire at the end of the season, has meant to U.S. soccer and MLS Berhalter said "a lot." He said it was hard to put into words what he's meant because he's been driving U.S. soccer for so long. Berhalter said he was sad to see him leave them game, but Donovan has to do what's best for him.

Berhalter 0812