Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes
On acquiring Gedion Zelalem…
The majority of the credit goes to Brian Bliss. Brian, being a part of the (United States Under) 20’s, knows Gedion really well. He saw this opportunity and really put a lot of work into and fleshed it out with Arsenal. He was able to talk with Gedion through their relationship and, at the same time, work on the club itself. The credit goes to Brian to be able to get it done and obviously, to Gedion for being able to accept to be here.
On how he fits into the team…
Nothing is really different in that when we recruit players to come into the club, we do it because we think that they have the qualities that fit the way that we play. There’s no doubt in our mind that he has those qualities. He can play any of those three positions in the middle of the park and probably even play a little bit out wide if he had to. His strengths are in the middle of the park in one of the three midfielder positions, which is something that is important to us because it’s an area that we’ve been wanting to add another player to – especially when someone has the quality to be able to play all three positions, which is great because it gives us the opportunity to have someone that can play multiple positions in there. We try to find players at times that can play multiple positions so that’s a big help. We’re really excited that he’s joining us.
On integrating Gedion into the club…
Short term, it’s going to be seeing where he is fitness wise and all that then we’ll build him from there. The great thing is he’s been in an atmosphere of training every day for six months which is great.
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gedion Zelalem
On what he knows about Kansas City…
I spoke to some of the players that I’ve played with, like Jeremy Ebobisse who gave me an insight about this club. They play a passing game which suits my style. It’s a great city, as well. MLS is growing every year so it’s a very attractive League and an attractive club, as well.
On his preferred position…
I feel comfortable everywhere, but I would feel more comfortable in one of the (attacking) two in the 4-3-3. I feel like I have tendencies to go more forward. I can play the 6. I played as a 6 with the (U.S.) U-20’s when I got injured so I’m comfortable there, as well. I would like to create chances and score goals. Scoring goals is one of the things I want to add to my game.
On his relationship with Brian Bliss…
He was in the cycle for the (U.S.) Under-20’s with me, so I’ve had three camps with him. He’s been helping me with the U-20’s. He knows me well and has seen me play.
On the perception of MLS abroad…
A lot of players are excited about MLS. A lot more players want to come to the League. A few players have given me messages (saying), ‘I might come to the league next year.’ I don’t think that perception was there three or four years ago. Now it is. It’s a respected league, for sure.
On returning to the United States…
The league is growing. I’m American. It’s good to be home living in America. I was at Arsenal six years and I had two loans at Rangers and Venlo. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. I don’t think the injury helped me, being out for nearly two years. So when I did come back, I think I kind of had an idea already where my career was at with Arsenal. I came here for a fresh start. The fact that the League is growing so fast and how attractive it is now, all those things helped me get here.
On Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes…
He’s been at Sporting Kansas City for many years. He’s very respected. He plays the right way; the style that I want to play when I get onto a football pitch.
On his first impressions…
The stadium and the training ground are unbelievable. I can compare it to Arsenal’s training ground. The facilities are unbelievable. The gym is massive.
