“You need to forget the last games. You always have to think about the next one to think about how you want to keep getting the right results.”
The above quote from coach Marc Dos Santos sums up his mentality perfectly, and lays down the base for this team to follow.
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The 'Caps face LAFC on Wednesday in their quest to make the MLS Cup Playoffs. The ‘Caps are on a run of two victories, while LAFC are going through a bit of a bobble. Wednesday’s game represents a huge opportunity for the ‘Caps to move up the table and increase their chances of making the playoffs.
Coach Dos Santos is expecting a tough game despite LAFC’s recent run of results.
“Their football doesn't change. They are a team with a lot of play inside, a lot of possession, a lot of creativity, a huge reaction to the loss of possession. The only thing that matters is the 90 minutes on that day. Everything that was done before doesn't count. So, we expect the LAFC team motivated, the LAFC team that wants to win, the same as us.”
With the matches continuing to roll on forward, fatigue could play a huge role in the outcome, but Dos Santos insists his players know their responsibilities and believes that they are taking all the right steps to make sure they maintain fitness.
“We have a group of players that is extremely professional. We have to equip them in the right way with our performance group when it comes to nutrition, massage, and recovery sessions,” says Dos Santos.
Defender Ali Adnan re-emphasizes the point, saying just how important recovery is for him and his teammates.
“We are working hard to recover as much as we can because three games in one week is difficult for any team in the world.”
The influence and performances of Fredy Montero has been key in the recent upturn in results for the ‘Caps. His combinations with Lucas Cavallini against Real Salt Lake proved to be a key factor in emerging victorious.
“He did a great job in two games, and he helped the team a lot, especially offensively,” says Adnan referring to Montero. “Cava, he's always working hard for the team, Both of them when they play together, they look really good. “
Dos Santos thinks the two of them combine well and could be a handful for the centre backs, but is remaining cautiously optimistic on Wednesdays game.
“I see them two playing together. I see that, but then you have to find the right balance when you don't have the ball. But with the stretch of games that we're going to have, we will need everyone will need everyone at their best.”
The 'Caps kick off against LAFC at 7:30 p.m. PT live on TSN1/4 and TSN Radio 1040 on Wednesday.
