FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution captain Carles Gil says the appointment of head coach Caleb Porter has further ignited the Revs’ burning desire for trophy success.
As the days count down to the start of preseason, anticipation is building for a new chapter in the club’s history, heralding a new challenge, new faces and new optimism.
Speaking at the 2024 MLS Media Day, the skipper expressed his excitement to once again lace up his cleats and step back out onto the pitch, ready to reunite with his teammates, meet his new coaches, and commence the quest for silverware. Refreshed and recharged, the club’s 2023 MVP asserted the squad’s collective hunger has intensified, fueled by Porter’s achievement, attitude, and ambition.
“Obviously, we had a difficult season last year after everything that happened, so now we are happy because this is finished, and we are starting a new season,” Gil stated.
“We have a new coach, so it’s a new beginning for us. We are looking forward to starting to train with him, make good trainings, and be ready for this season.
“Everyone is excited because he’s a winner. He did it two times here in MLS, and it’s not easy to win with two different clubs. Hopefully, he can also do it with us.
“I had a good talk with him a few weeks ago. The first call was to know him better. We talked a little bit about what we expect for the next season.
“We need to start to train, to work together, and know each other better, but not just me – all the team – are excited for what’s coming.
“I want to meet him, to work with him, and be ready for the fight with him.”
Since his arrival, Porter has underlined the importance of togetherness and alignment as key traits of a successful squad (in addition to an impressive array of talent), declaring he strives to create a strong team ethic and family environment.
With the Revs set to fight on multiple fronts this year, kicking off the new campaign in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Panama’s Club Atlético Independiente on Wednesday, February 21 before their league adventure begins, Gil echoed his manager’s thoughts, acknowledging the challenge ahead and the crucial component of a true team effort.
“It’s important to have a good team – not just 11 players, but to have all the players ready and focused, because when you play in many competitions, you need to use many players,” he continued.
“If we want to be a champion team, we need every player ready, and hopefully, we can do it.
“There are many competitions – difficult games, difficult teams – but we want to fight for everything, we want to win trophies, and hopefully, we can do it.”
In addition to his trophy targets, Gil has also set his sights on taking his own game to another level, emulating his previous individual accomplishments – a frightening prospect for any opponent.
Notching an outstanding 11 goals and 14 assists last term, the Revs’ MVP, Players’ Player of the Year, and MLS All-Star believes he has the opportunity to shine even brighter, having thrived during his five-year spell in the United States to become one of the league’s top talents.
“I didn't expect it when I got here, but at that time, I couldn't turn down the opportunity,” he explained.
“I wanted to come here and gain some confidence, but things have changed for me since I got here – I can say that I have it all here. I’m pushing for some objectives – both team objectives and my own individual objectives.
“I don't look too much at my own individual goals – the team goals are more so what I keep my focus on – but I want to keep improving in all aspects of the game and help my team.
“I think many things have been provided to me by my club: they gave me confidence, and they provided that confidence from the very beginning, and experience as well – just watching the matches and learning from each match as best as I can.
“From my position, I can do a lot on the field, and that experience has helped me a lot. If I had to reflect on Carles in past years, I didn't have those qualities, but I just want to keep learning.
“Last season for example, I scored 11 goals – and that's the most goals that I’ve scored in a season – but I want to continue to get better and keep improving. I can also help the team defensively.
“I'm 31, but I want to continue to get better as much as I can.”
