Chicago Fire midfielder Logan Pause
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named head coach…
“I’m really, really happy for him, for the team and the organization. He’s shown since his time here, not just as a head coach but when he was within management that he puts his heart and soul into this club. I think since he took over the team he’s shown that he’s deserving of having the interim tag removed. The guys have responded really well to him when he was interim and I think the guys will respond just as smoothly with him being the full-time coach.”
On having someone that’s worn the badge as a player leading as a coach…
“It’s a different perspective and dynamic that is special to have. Someone that knows what it takes, what this club and city are about is just fantastic. Not only was he a player but a player for this club. We saw it this year but it’s really positive for this team going into next year and years to come.”
Chicago Fire defender Gonzalo Segares
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named head coach…
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us and for him. We know him pretty well, he basically put this group together and I think that’s important. We’re really happy for him, he’s worked hard trying to make things work out here. It’s exciting, I think we’re on the right path and we’re looking forward to next year.”
On having your coach be someone that’s worn the Fire badge as a player…
“Frank is a very passionate guy. He puts a lot into everything he does and that especially goes for this club. He’s talked about the honor he had when he put the jersey on here and that’s why he has his number up in the stadium’s Ring of Fire. He’s made us see what that means and that’s why he pushes us harder. I think that it’s a very good chance not just for the players that have been here longer but also the younger ones to learn from him.
On how the team was told…
“We had a meeting just before practice on Tuesday where we were told. We gave him a round of applause to congratulate him and we got on with training. I think it was the right decision we can see he’s really excited and willing to work even harder that before.
Chicago Fire midfielder Pavel Pardo
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named Chicago Fire head coach…
“It’s good. We’re really happy with him as a team. I think he did a great job in the circumstance that he was in and our finish to the season speaks for itself. For me coming in, it was good to have someone leading us that had played here and also cared so much for the club. I’m very happy for Frank today.”
Chicago Fire defender Jalil Anibaba
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named head coach…
“First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate Frank simply because he’s done a great job of taking the team over. I think he’s instilled a great amount of belief in us and I think we as players can reciprocate and say that we believe in him as well. We have high hopes, we know Frank has high hopes and he’s dedicated to the club and to working as hard as possible. He’s obviously shown that in the past months and we’re all looking forward to what the future holds.”
On how spirits stayed high after he was named ‘interim’ head coach…
”I think it was a matter of us trying to get better every day. Frank instilled that in the group and its important. When things aren’t going well, if you have the attitude to continue to improve, I think the sky is the limit for the team and the organization.”
Chicago Fire midfielder Sebastian Grazzini
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named head coach…
“The team’s very happy and I’m very happy for him. I think he deserves it. When somebody works at something and they perform well it’s only fair that they’re offered the chance to continue. I think we found a good system for ourselves and I think it’s something we need to continue going forward.”
Having peace of mind with a coach in place going into the offseason…
“Yes absolutely. Its important because we know what to expect on the field and he knows how the team plays and what he can expect from us. The idea is that we’ve created a great group here and we’ll be fighting for bigger goals next season, which is always what you strive for.
Chicago Fire striker Patrick Nyarko
On his reaction to Frank Klopas being named Chicago Fire head coach…
“I think Frank has come in and done a tremendous job and the results are there for everyone to see where the change occurred in this team, with him instilling the self-belief and confidence in this team. I think just based on that he deserves it at this point and most of the guys are happy that he is. Hopefully we can carry the momentum we took at the end of the year into next season.”
