Atlanta - Breel Embolo had a press conference and sit-down interview with Atlanta United today. Below are the highlights.
On his visa
Embolo can train with the club today, but it will take up to 10 days to have his work visa. He will not play vs. Charlotte this weekend.
On his World Cup experience
He’s proud of his team (Switzerland) and said it was a big success to get to the quarterfinal. What happened with the red card touched him deeply, but it’s a part of sports, good and bad. His family very much enjoyed being in this country for the World Cup, and he’s looking forward to having more moments like that in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
When he learned the red card should not have been given
He did not care; he lost, and that is all that matters. He believes that his team could have made the final. But that’s life.
On deciding to play in Atlanta
He didn’t expect to play here 4 months ago. He’s aware the team isn’t in the best position, but it’s his job to help elevate the team. Atlanta is a big club with a lot of ambition. This is a big move for him, and it took time for him and his family to decide. Playing in the States for the World Cup was a big reason they were comfortable moving here.
On the number 36
The meaning is from his school in Basel. He took the number 36 bus to school and soccer training. He’s had the number ever since. It’s his favorite and lucky number. It inspires him to never forget where he came from. 3+6 = 9, so he’s still technically a 9.
On who he is as a player
He started as a midfielder 6 before he moved to striker. He was a latecomer to the forward position. He loves being able to score and to assist. He is addicted to winning.
On his famous celebration, where he puts his fingers in his mouth to make a huge smile.
It’s based on the Batman villain Joker. He did it to make his family laugh and not be afraid of the movie.
Breel on the pressure playing with Atlanta United right now and replacing former strikers who have played where
He’s here to score and to win games. He’s more concerned with results than individual performances. He said that he played against Josef Martinez in Switzerland, and he is a great player. Not only that, but he knows Josef is a legend to Atlanta, and he was happy when he left Switzerland because he always hurt his team when they played each other. It’s most important for the entire team to work hard and to enjoy winning.
Breel on MLS and the match he saw on Sunday
He said that it was an open game and the game can turn quickly if you do not stay locked in. He was proud of the team winning, and they deserved to win. He will need to adapt where to move when he starts playing in MLS, but that won’t be a big deal for him. He says that he’s 29 and he hopes he’s not considered old when he gets on the pitch. He said that his personality is chill and that he will focus on the positive things of MLS.
On being in the same category of player as Messi, Son, Griezmann, etc.
It’s nice. He believes MLS has grown up as a league and there are also a lot of great American players who come through and play in MLS. The quality is very high.
On speaking Spanish
He can speak Spanish, but most of the words he knows are the bad stuff. He may take some lessons while here.
On what he knew of Atlanta before coming here
His friend Clint Capela played in Atlanta and told him he should play here. He did not know much of Atlanta before signing. He doesn’t have a favorite Atlanta musician yet and is a fan of all music.
Chris Henderson on why Breel is the right player for this moment in the team
Breel’s character is a perfect fit for the club on the field and in the locker room. He’s able to occupy two defenders while playing with his back to goal. He’s a great finisher when he gets the ball in the box. They were very excited to have the chance to talk to him. They presented who Atlanta United is as a club and were happy he agreed to play here.
Chris Henderson on whether there will be more signings this transfer window
Chris is happy that we’re in touching distance of the playoff line. The window will close next week, but they are expecting to add one more player for the last 13 games. He wouldn’t specify what position the player would be in but stated they have multiple options.