Tuesday's Practice Pitch Updates with Berhalter Audio

The Columbus Crew players looked worn out from a typically tough Tuesday training session as the members of the media entered the Obetz compound. After some stretching and cool down, head coach Gregg Berhalter had a chance to chat.

Conversation with Berhalter

• Berhalter said some players became accustomed to his system quicker than others. He said when he first went to Holland, he had issues keeping up with the pace and pressure.
• Asked about his three forwards, Berhalter said they all have different qualities. He described Jairo Arrieta as "closer to the ground and a little quicker and an extremely hard worker." He said Adam Bedell is better back to goal than Aaron Schoenfeld, but Aaron wins more of the duels and can get in behind the defense. He said he likes the compliment of the three.
• Berhalter said the top scorers on his team are in the second line. He said it would be nice to have a striker with seven to 10 goals, but they don't have that. They have to develop that or find someone who is capable to do that up top.
• Berhalter was asked about movement within MLS and he said it is very hard to get someone you like. The head coach stated that most of those conversations end after hello so they are focusing on their players and improving the way they play.
• Berhalter reiterated the club wants to add players but said, "it has to be the right guy and I'm not going to be forced into adding someone we're not comfortable with."
• Asked about if there is still talk with Dimitrios Papadopoulos, Berhalter said if there is he doesn't know about it.
• Berhatler said the Crew had an agreement with Costa Rica about not taking the Black and Gold players.
• The head coach said he has a lineup in mind at the beginning of the week but it isn't set in stone early in the week. He evaluates all week and moves forward. He said normally he won't make many changes when things are going well.
• Asked about the importance of getting a shutout last week in the Houston Dynamo game, Berhalter said he's always been a fan of the shutouts (as he was a central defender). He said it's good because if you know your a tough team to break down, you have an advantage over your opponent right away. He said they take chances so they sacrifice some of that security.
• Berhalter said he's always said the ties were good pointing the games against the Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and D.C. United. He said the team was learning how to win and they still aren't there yet. He did say they are more consistent and their movement is better.
• Berhalter admitted he's a fan of fantasy football, but he doesn't have enough time to do it this year.