CF Montreal's new head coach Laurent Courtois has just a few days to prepare for training camp, which begins on Saturday.
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After his official appointment on Monday, he will have just five days to familiarize himself with his new environment and select his deputies, acknowledging that those already appointed have “more experience” than him.
“I've slept a lot in the last few weeks, this will make up for it,” Courtois said at a press conference on Tuesday, referring to the lack of sleep he will have to contend with. I can't wait, I can't wait. […] I've already had a few conversations with the staff and they're hungry. We can’t wait to fight this.”
A long time away from home
The players must undergo medical and physical tests this weekend before flying to Arizona, where the team will practice until Jan. 28. This is not possible in the Olympic Stadium, which is closed for security reasons.
CF MTL then returns home until February 4th before heading to Florida to play preseason games.
The first regular season meeting will take place on February 24th in Orlando and the home opener will not be played until April 13th at Saputo Stadium against FC Cincinnati.
“It fits me [d’être aussi longtemps sur la route], Courtois admitted. We will be together and get to know each other so much faster than if we just spent a few hours [sur le terrain] and go home.”
Laurent Courtois, the new coach of CF Montreal. Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin, Le Journal de Montréal
A promise
The former midfielder, who played in Europe before moving to MLS, promised two things to sporting director Olivier Renard, who was away for personal reasons, and his assistant Vassili Cremanzidis, who hired him: “an identity and energy.”
“I like the beautiful game, the elaborate game, but there is something that I don't have to compromise on: it's about the heart, the energy, the willingness to fight,” said Courtois, adding that he wants his players “Have the confidence to do what they can do.” Make mistakes without giving up.”
“Want to bleed”
All of this sounded like music to President Gabriel Gervais' ears.
“What Laurent just mentioned is important to me,” he explained. It's about always showing heart, whether in training, at games at home or abroad. We know we have not always proven this, particularly abroad. That's something we need to revive in this club, that desire to always be bloody and wet for the jersey.
The mayonnaise must rise quickly for CF Montreal to return to the playoffs, win the Canadian championship and return to the CONCACAF Champions Cup, as Gervais and management want.