Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
Thoughts on the game
"I think it was a very hard game, we expected with Dallas that they will be fresh, they will bring new faces on the field and that helps the team to stay motivated and actually run. We repeated again our lineup like in the last three games so I think it was very important for us to continue with the guys who were playing well and winning games and giving everything for the team. I think it was a hard game, I don't think it's always nice and easy, it's not always joga bonito so for me it was very important to see the character from our guys. Even when we looked tired in the second half, we were capable of defending well then when we had the ball, we were able to keep the ball for some time in order to rest with the ball also but we were also dangerous sometimes on counters, sometimes in building a good place so very proud, very happy with the performance so far with the team. I think we still keep growing with the character of the team, managing the game until the end of the game like today, it was something very important. We are getting closer on set pieces that's the part of the game that we need to improve to score goals on set pieces is very important for every team, we still didn't have that success but we are still getting better and I believe that in the upcoming games, it's going to be something we obviously need to improve and convert."
On Nemanja Nikolic's goal scoring prowess
"Well hopefully, honestly we believe in Niko's streak and David's streak, we are waiting for the other guys to show up and step up in the role of the size of players, which they are always, not only because they would score goals but for their effort and their work and for being on the same page and working together and playing as a team which is important. I think we are shaping our style in a way that we always wanted, we are becoming a mature team with a strong character and a strong team in terms of having a very good locker room, the atmosphere was fantastic after the game. Twenty four points, we still have a lot to improve and we will improve, I think we are managing the season the way we would like to, we wanted to have the progression, so we are having it and now its rest, we have a good opportunity to rest and then when we come back, we are going to raise the bar and start working again together."
On the four-game winning streak
"I think there is still more improvement to come and I think it's what I expect to be progressive. I don't want to see the team, if we can jump from this level to the top level which is required to be successful to reach the playoffs, I would be happy only if we can sustain it and I think good progression that we have right now is something that is actually winning the games obviously, it is better to manage and I think we still have a long way to go to be the team that can absolutely dominate, dictate the game, control the game and have all the tools to use them, like the possession, when we have to defend, we defend, like today we were tired but we were smart and we knew we had to manage the game. When we have to score goals on set pieces and when we have to show our character. When you have all these pieces I think they decide every game and when you have them all, then you're going to be for sure capable of winning most of the games."
On Dallas' lineup changes
"We really expected, looking at their roster and their schedule, we expected rotations, maybe not so many but with so many rotations, what they achieved was they were fresher than we were. So that was very important after the first 30 minutes of the game where we dropped the intensity and our freshness and then in that moment what stepped up was our character, managing the game, finishing the first half well and then talking about the things that we had to in the locker room during the half time and then renewed energy coming back on the field, again another step back in terms in energy levels but we keep managing that. I think the guys who came in the game also helped a lot and we appreciate that, it's very important that everyone gives his best every time when they have the opportunity to play. I think overall we are happy, we were tested in a different way and we saw a different face of our team and that is capable of dealing with this kind of situation."
On the play of Brandon Vincent
"I believe that Brandon is doing an amazing job adjusting to the required levels of our league. He did that last year and this year it's much easier for him and now what he's doing on top of that, is what he's always had. He's the player who can keep the ball, possession with him, he can keep the possession, he can support the possession and have dangerous crosses like today's assist in the final third and he is improving his game in the defensive part where he likes to engage more, step up, he follows the line very well, there are a lot of pieces where he's putting his game. I love when he comes inside, like when Bastian played that long ball to him so he's trying to finish the action in which we encourage him to be dangerous, to be our Roberto Carlos. That's how we believe these kinds of models that our players should have in front of them who they can emulate in the best possible way and implement in their game, tricks and implement in their qualities also because it's important and he has everything. He has a good engine, he's a fantastic guy, young man who has the desire and again he likes to listen to the guys in front and learn from them and respect them and he gives his best every game and we really appreciate that."
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire Midfielder
Thoughts on the game
"Great, we have 24 points now. It was very important to win this match at home before we have a little break, so we're happy."
On heading into the break
"It's good to have some days off just to see something else, to reload and you get fresh for the next period."
On the quick start of the game
"We had a good start, a great goal so that was important. The goal from Dallas was a little unlucky, but we had a good reaction to score the second goal with David, so that was positive. We could manage to control the game. There were some situations where we could maybe play out better but at the end of the day, it was very important to have three points and we managed to win the game 2-1."
On the play of Nemanja Nikolic
"He's a finisher. He doesn't need so many chances usually to score a goal. In the box, he's very dangerous and that's the moment where we have to find him."
Matt Polster, Chicago Fire Defender
On his game plan as a fullback
"I think the game plan is for us to get high and wide and create more space for the midfielders and wingers to tuck in and find those pockets. If the wings tuck in and pick those guys up, it creates more space for us on the outside. I think we're trying to create overloads all over the field and keep the ball as best as possible."
On the improving effort
"I think we will get better. I think today we were a bit casual and we could have been a lot sharper in moments. But I thought we did really well, especially for how many games we've had in such a short period of time, to get the result tonight. I think we could be a lot sharper and we can create better chances."
On returning to the starting XI
"I think just playing in general is amazing, that was my goal. It was more of a difficult situation for me because of all the players that were brought in for my position. But I'm willing to adapt, I just want to be a part of the team, I want to be on a winning team and I want to help us win games. Playing wherever, I don't mind."
