First team undergoes first training session of the year at Olympic Stadium
CF Montréal’s first team returned to action today, kicking off its training camp with their first session of the year at the Olympic Stadium. It was a time for welcoming newcomers and setting the tone for the year to come, which kicks off in just over a month with a two-legged matchup against Mexican side Santos Laguna in the Concacaf Champions League.
“We have a small tradition with new players,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. They present themselves to the group and ask questions if they have any. Wilfried then welcomed everyone officially and spoke of the challenges that lie ahead this year.”
CF Montréal will undergo the first part of the training camp in Montreal until January 27, when it will move its operations to Florida until they fly to Mexico for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, on February 15.
It’s an earlier start to preseason than usual for the squad, but with the Champions League kicking off in mid-February and the MLS season set to kick off on February 27 against Orlando, it was a must.
“Everyone is happy to be back,” added Piette. We had time to unwind and disconnect for six weeks. Everyone seemed in a good mood, and it was a really good atmosphere. It was a good first training.”
After a year under head coach Wilfried Nancy, the order of business as camp kicks off in 2022 is building on the identity and culture set forth in Nancy’s first year.
“It’s another season to build on what we did last year,” said centre-back Joel Waterman. “We had a brand, and we had an identity. It’s something that fans could be excited about. We have a way of playing and people can see that. I really think we’re a playoff team that can do some damage.”
