CHICAGO (Feb. 24, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC Head Coach Frank Klopas and midfielder Brian Gutiérrez spoke to the media following Saturday's 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union. Gutiérrez recorded a goal and an assist in the draw, and became the first Homegrown in Fire history to score in the season opener and the second-youngest player to score the Club’s first goal of the season at 20 years, 252 days. He passed Club legend DaMarcus Beasley, who was 20 years, 324 days (April 13, 2003, vs. New England).
Chicago Fire FC Head Coach Frank Klopas
On the result and the team’s performance against the Philadelphia Union…
“Yeah, I think I feel really good about the point. I felt that our team showed a lot of character and great spirit, team spirit. And you know, that's what I told the group after the game. I mean, they are down a little bit, obviously, because they felt that they left points on the table but that's a good feeling to have. They are disappointed that we didn't get all three points but to be fair, you know, in the end, they had some chances. We had a big chance, also, in the end to win the game.
Difficult place to play, but I'm proud of our guys. I think they came out. We got a point to start the season in a positive way, and now we just have to, you know, have a safe trip back, regroup and get ready for our home opener.”
On Brian Gutiérrez’s growth…
“I think it's great to see and good to take that initiative. It's something that we've talked to him about, that he needs to have a bigger impact in the final third with his ability and quality. It's great to see him taking that initiative and taking shots from the outside and finishing plays, because I think he has that ability to do so. He needs to do it more often and he needs to have that kind of impact in games, and it was great. I'm really happy for him.
As you can see, I've been with him now over four years and I've seen his growth. This is a big step for us and one of the things that we talked to him about from last year, one is just runs off the ball, getting in good spots and obviously just taking more initiative on himself and finishing plays off. It was great to see that tonight. Fantastic goal.”
On the referees…
“Why are you guys trying to get me in trouble? Look, I think that they did their best. I think the referee was good. You know, a little bit in the end with the time, it was eight minutes extra, we played until 11. But overall I think the guys did a very, very good job, and that's the only thing I can say. We're happy with them. They are professionals and they did their best and I think they did a good job.”
On Chase Gasper’s performance after coming on early in the match…
“Yeah, he started, it was difficult for him because the game started and now, you know, right away, you've got to come in the game. He hasn't had an opportunity to warm up a little bit. I thought he did really well coming into the game. And then obviously, he doesn't have the, I would say, the game fitness, yet. He's improving all the time. So you can just see it, like, late in the game as he got a little bit more fatigued, and you know, we had to make that sub.
But I think coming in in a difficult moment, I felt he did a really good job, and he just needs to get more minutes to get his full fitness, and we know that. He's a pro and an experienced guy, and I thought he came in and did a good job.”
On the performance of new Fire players…
“Yeah, with the new players, I think they have improved the team – a much-improved team – and you can just see, for me, the competition has helped in every position. I think that they are very good players.
I think [Allan] Arigoni has been here longer with us, so you can see he's going to keep improving within every match. Hugo [Cuypers] is a very good player. He's been fit. He really didn't miss much, and he came in one week with us, and I think with his ability, he came in right away and, I think, ready to contribute. With Kellyn [Acosta], it was important to get him minutes, and he's getting sharper every day, and I think another week, we should get him, maybe not a hundred percent, but close to that.
So I'm extremely happy with all those guys. Gastón [Giménez] had a very good game. And overall it was a very good team performance. Because you don't come here to get – you get a point; we thought it was a really good performance from the group, and that's what we got tonight.”
Chicago Fire FC Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez
On his first half goal…
“Yeah, I stayed wide. I was waiting for the ball. Luckily I got the ball, and Fabi [Fabian Herbers] flicking it towards me. I saw a gap in between, what was it, [Jose] Martinez and the other center back, [Jakob] Glesnes, and so I went between the gap and tried to cut again, cut inside. I just didn't think about it. I just said, why not shoot it and I shoot it. Honestly it was a great goal, and more to come, for sure.”
On the second goal from Fabian Herbers…
“Yeah, it was a good buildup by me and Kellyn and Maren [Haile-Selassie], a good buildup. I just followed the play and I think that helped me out the most. I saw the keeper, he punched it out, little rebounds in the box. I thought I saw Fabi in the corner of my left eye. And I thought he was in a better position than I am, because the ball – it was coming with the spin – and so I thought he was in a better position. And thankfully we got that goal.”
On taking more shots this season…
“Yeah, for sure. I think that's my goal, taking more chances, being more of a threat. Yeah, obviously I need to take more shots, like I said, and I think why not have a shot every game. I think, like you said, you're going to see more of that out of me this season and hopefully more goals, as well.”
On the team’s performance and how the new players are fitting in…
“Yeah, like I said, I think the players that they brought in, I think [they were good signings] for us. I think that's what we needed, good depth, and I think, yeah, I think we are more of a unit and more united. I think we all are fighting for a starting spot, which is great. You want that good competition on the team, and I think you're going to see a lot of excitement towards the season and the home opener. And every home game and every away game, we're always going to fight for the three points and I think that's the mentality of the team this year.”
On his performance and his desire to be called up to the United States National Team…
“Like I always say in the interviews, I try to always do the best on the field with the Club, and towards that, towards doing good on the field with the Club, I think everything will implement itself, and yeah, obviously will hopefully get a call from him [U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter]. We'll see what happens.”
