On Thursday, November 10, Luis Robles addressed the media for the final time following the completion of the Red Bulls’ 2016 season. Here’s what the Red Bulls Ironman had to say:
- When discussing the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Robles focused on his game, saying, “the only thing I can think of was my own performance…it wasn’t good enough on my end.”
- The goalkeeper was quick to shoot down the notion of his personal records that he set this year, making up for the loss in the playoffs. “I forgot they happened…guys aren’t playing for these awards, they’re not playing for these personal accolades, we’re playing to take this organization to the next level.”
- When asked about what the team needs to do to get over the playoff hump and win MLS Cup, he was not sure, adding that the desire is there, but the team’s disappointed and hopes to find the answers during the offseason.
- Robles admitted Ignacio Piatti’s goal in the second leg of the playoffs has, “haunted his dreams the last three nights,” but finds pointed to the fact that, “those plays continue to motivate me everyday to stay after training, to keep working on my craft, to be better.”
- The goalkeeper looks forward to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, which the Red Bulls will kick off in February against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He also noted the advantage of facing a fellow MLS-side, since they will also be in the midst of their preseason, as opposed to the Mexican clubs, who will be in the middle of their season.
