Thursday's Practice Pitch Updates with Berhalter Audio

After a day off on Wednesday, the Columbus Crew were back at work on a gloomy day in the capital city. The Black and Gold trained at the friendly confines of Crew Stadium and just got under shelter before the skies really opened up.

Conversation with Gregg Berhalter

• Asked what he though his team needed to do to be consistent, Berhalter said there were a couple of things. He said first they look individually at players focusing on their tasks and being able to perform them and then collectively having a game plan that helps the players to succeed.
• Berhalter said Tony Tchani is developing his consistency. He called him a guy they pick to be on the field and perform every game. He said there are certain things he does really well and they want to focus on those.
• Berhalter was asked about Giancarlo Gonzalez, Jairo Arrieta, and Waylon Francis' inclusion on the provisional roster for the Central American Cup. He said he thinks Columbus is mandated to let the players go, but he would talk with the Costa Rican Federation. He said he usually supports players playing for their national team but will have to see how it plays into the Crew's schedule (the players would miss two games - Montreal Impact and Chivas USA).
• When asked about Gonzalez's transfer interest, he said the European window closes August 31 and until then it will be an open ended question. He said there have been no offers and no new teams have come into the picture.
• When asked about how sale of players works monetarily, Berhalter said the league gets a percentage and the team can use a certain percentage for allocation and a certain percentage for other soccer operations. He also confirmed that his previous club, Valerenga, does get part of the fee as well.
• Berhalter said Gonzalez is realistic and waiting for the right opportunity, if it comes along. He also said Gonzalez is happy with the team and the city.
• Asked about any other moves, Berhalter hesitated before saying it is hard to tell as well. He stated that they're moving towards something but nothing is done until there is "ink on paper."
• When told there is a rumor Lukas Podolski has an offer from MLS, Berhalter said, "Really?" He wouldn't comment on players in other organizations, but when asked if they looked at him, he laughed and said, "Podolski? We've all looked at him! He's a World Cup champion!"
• In regards to the Houston Dynamo, Berhalter said they are a well coached team and that helps them get their season going in the right direction at the right time. He says Dominic Kinnear has a specific way to play and sticks to it.
• Berhalter said of new Dynamo signing DaMarcus Beasley, "Beasley's played in four World Cups, he knows what's going on." He said playing in big games is nothing for him.
• Berhalter said he hopes it's more difficult for opponents when they have the lead due to their possession style of play.
• When asked about Romain Gall, Berhalter said he is doing well after a week and half in training.
• Berhalter was asked about what impact the rebrand will have on the soccer side of the organization and said they want to reflect the new image and what they represent. They want to be a part of this club and their proud of the way they play, the players, and how they interact with fans.

Berhalter 08-21