The 2021 season did not start well for Atlanta United.
After a rocky beginning, the club made a midseason coaching change and eventually earned a playoff spot under its new leader, Gonzalo Pineda.
As the team opened training camp in Marietta on Tuesday, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan says the good vibes around Pineda are still there — even if the coach himself wasn’t because of COVID-19 safety protocols.
“You know there’s a certain buzz around the building, which is always good,” said Guzan. “Obviously, the world we live in at the minute, these types of things happen.”
Atlanta United fans and players are hoping the soccer team can recapture its previous glory in the upcoming season, which begins Feb. 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Consistency on the field and on the sidelines could be the key.
Guzan says Pineda’s willingness to listen to his players and to other members of the organization was the key to the team’s turnaround last year. He expects even more improvement going forward.
“I think with a preseason it certainly allows us that timeframe to now try and really grasp the concepts of what they want us to do. But then also hold each other accountable and hold each other to a high standard and have a real understanding of what it takes to win,” said Guzan.
