Head Coach Brian Schmetzer spoke with media after training on Wednesday, yet this particular scrum evoked more passion than usual. In the wake of a disappointing loss to LAFC on Sunday and the closure of the 2018 Primary Transfer Window this morning, fans have grown frustrated as the club remains in last place in the Western Conference.
To wrap up his interview on Wednesday afternoon, Schmetzer addressed these frustrations.
He made it clear that the team’s commitment is unwavering.
“I need to tell everybody that we, the players on the field, haven’t quit on the fans,” Schmetzer said. “They haven’t quit. They busted their ass in L.A. The fans who were there in L.A. did what they could to make the atmosphere great. That relationship is still there. Those players haven’t quit on the fans, and I don’t think our fans have quit on us.”
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Schmetzer understands that criticism of the team is fair, considering the club has identified a goal of hosting MLS Cup and has fell short on earning points at the early stage of the season.
“We are going to continue to work and push and do whatever it takes to win games,” he said. “We are not afraid to compete against New York, L.A., L.A. two times, Atlanta – we aren’t afraid of that. We have been to two MLS Cup finals. And our goal is to make another one.”
The Sounders have their sights set on a busy, yet crucial, stretch of matches. After hosting Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, the Rave Green visit Toronto FC on Wednesday, May 9 and the Portland Timbers on Sunday, May 13.
“Those guys are busting their ass, the coaching staff is working their ass off trying to find solutions, and we are going to push forward,” Schmetzer added. “I want to push forward on all this mess because, I have already told you, as long as I am here, this team is never going to quit. Simple as that.”
The full video can be seen below.
