MLS
Thiago Almada reaffirms MLS commitment: “I want to win with Atlanta”
The Argentine star, who has been linked with a move to Europe, has spoken about his desire to win with Atlanta.
Atlanta United are facing a new season in the MLS that is far from easy. With more than a dozen new faces, the team have carried out an unparalleled revolution in their squad, which has also suffered major losses such as Rossetto and Esequiel Barco.
Although the season has not started in the best possible way (defeat in their league debut against Columbus Crew), the Mercedes-Benz Stadium fans are looking for the appearance of ‘their Messi’: Thiago Almada.
The Five Stripes’ drab debut against the MLS champions was a tough pill to swallow. Almada, who did not have a pre-season ahead of the campaign, failed to make the difference, although that does not detract from his desire to be a champion with the team.
“My motivation is to try to win something with Atlanta, because last season we couldn’t achieve our goals. Hopefully this season we can,” he said at a press conference.
The Argentine landed in the state capital with the qualification to the Olympic Games in Paris under his belt, showing himself to be much more mature as he led Mascherano’s team.
With five goals and two assists in seven matches, he was among the very best players at the tournament. At just 22 years of age, Almada returned to Atlanta with the need to be the team’s hope while the new faces are still settling in.
Atlanta United will have a break this week on MLS match day two that will serve as a mini-pre-season for Almada. The team’s next game is March 9 against Eastern Conference rivals New England Revolution in their home opener. The side need Almada at his best in a key season, which could be his last. With the Copa América kicking off in June and the Olympic Games in August, the Argentine could be experiencing his last two months as a Five Stripes player.