FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez joined K&C Masterpiece for the weekly “Luchi Gonzalez Show”, presented by Toyota. The theme for Friday’s show centered around COVID-19 and the impact of Major League Soccer’s 30-day suspension.
“This is new territory for all of us,” Gonzalez said. “The players are not training at this moment. There are no games, as you know. But [we’re] just kind of taking it one moment at a time [and] learning more. On Monday, we’ll get an update from the league and go from there.”
While the decision to suspend play may not have been a surprise to some, Gonzalez spoke on the initial reactions of himself and his players.
“Initially, there was disappointment because we love what we do,” Gonzalez said. “I love to coach every day and be with our players and our staff here. We love to compete [and] want to play for our fans.”
Ultimately, though, the situation boils down to safety.
“At the end of the day, [competing] is not the priority,” Gonzalez said. “I have to say that I agree with this decision by the league because [our] health and safety is number one. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get through this and protect our players, fans, people in the club and their extended families.”
To wrap things up, Gonzalez spoke on the team’s training plan going forward, and how creativity can help the players make the most of the unfortunate situation. While the squad will need to follow the necessary medical protocols, Gonzalez believes there are plenty of ways to stay in shape and stimulate the mind.
“Maybe it means going and watching old games and breaking those down,” Gonzalez said. “We have a very committed team. I know they are going to do the extra [work] to be ready and be the most prepared so that when we are back together, we’re better off. My main message is we’re not victims … We’re lucky to have each other and we have to support each other and do what’s best. We’re going to find solutions and we’re going to do the best we can to be prepared.”
