DAVENPORT, Fla. – After a rare day off, the New York Red Bulls returned to the training pitch on Monday morning. And with less than two weeks remaining before the season opener at Red Bull Arena, the team is rounding into form. Following a successful doubleheader of results on Saturday, the team is preparing for their last two friendly matches before heading home to New Jersey.
- TICKETS: Red Bulls Home Opener vs. Toronto FC, Sunday March 6
Head coach Jesse Marsch admitted he was pleased with what he saw on the day and is looking forward to the team’s March 6th matchup with Toronto FC.
“Anytime that we’ve had some days off, the energy the next day has been very high; today was no different,” he told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “I thought we were very sharp, guys were locked in, and we had a good video session this morning.
“I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress in the last month and it’s a good thing because in two weeks we’ve got a big moment. But the way that this group of guys comes to work everyday is pretty impressive. It’s one of the things that has made us successful.”
On the injury front, the team is nearing 100 percent as Anatole Abang, Ronald Zubar, and Alex Muyl all trained in full. Their inclusion within the side gives Marsch added depth to draw upon and should leave the head coach with some important decisions come game day.
Shaun Wright-Phillips remains the only Red Bull working his way back to full fitness, although Monday’s training session brought with it some encouraging news. While unable to participate for the entirety of the session, SWP joined his teammates for a variety of drills and a small-sided scrimmage.
“We feel good about Shaun’s progress,” Marsch added. “It’s taken longer than expected, but that’s no problem. What’s important is that we get him good and strong and healthy and ready to push for a long season. In some ways, a little bit of extra rest will be good for him, but we’re certainly all anxious to get him going because we know what a good player he is.”
