(Philadelphia, PA) Friday morning I got the chance to talk with new Philadelphia Union striker Charlie Davies after team training. Here’s what he had to say.
On was it weird to play against New England Revolution two weeks after being traded
“It wasn’t so much weird, more of something I was looking forward to say goodbye. To thank the people who supported me throughout my time there. It was a special moment for me to go and thank the people who helped and supported me there. That’s all I was looking forward to was having a proper goodbye”
On whether or not he was excited about the arrival of Alejandro Bedoya and his trade to Union:
“Obviously I was excited for Alejandro, him being one of my closest friends, coming back to the MLS close to where I am. It was exciting for me and I didn’t really get word until Wednesday morning that Philadelphia was interested. I never thought that New England would be open to trading me. So obviously I didn’t think that was possible, but I was excited at the possibility of that happening.”
On how his style of play fits Jim Curtin’s system:
“I think I am one of the unique players in the MLS where no matter the system, I fit into it. I think being in New England become a more well rounded player. I think obviously that before my time in New England I’ve always been in a two striker system. Where I played in New England for three years being the target guy. So I think I’m more well rounded and I can fit into any style of play. In Philadelphia’s case, I think I help the team stretch defenses and giving the midfield more time on the ball. Which is crucial when you see New England not have that same type of style this year and they’ve struggled so I’m looking forward to getting my time here and building chemistry with the guys. That’s tough coming in mid season to build chemistry with the new guys so I’m looking forward to it.”
On what are his goals on or off the field this season and onwards:
“I’m a guy that likes to set a lot of goals and achievements. For me personally it’s building a relationship with the fans here. Building a relationship with the city. I’m a person who likes to do a lot of hospital visits and charity work. I like help people and give people hope. So building a relationship with the fans and city mainly. On the field, it’s obviously getting better and better as a player. I think on this team I’ll have the opportunity to become an even better player and hopefully get back on the national team which is the ultimate goal. Which after everything I’ve accomplished I think is not too far to reach. I think now I’m in the right system and surrounded by the right teammates and coaching staff. You need those things in place to make those things happens.”
On what improvements he’s seen from Philadelphia while in New England:
“I mean that’s exactly why I was brought here. To help in those spots which is making deep runs and stretching defenses which I think is extremely important to keep defenses honest. I think when you have a striker with similar traits that I have, it makes it very hard for defenses to commit going forward and pressing because there is always that deep ball or long ball that’s going to hurt you. Having that option on this team makes us even more dangerous. You throw in Alejandro Bedoya whose work rate is second to none. He’s going to outwork anyone on the field and when you have a guy like that in the midfield, it just makes the team’s confidence go up and the team has much more possession on the field. It’s an exciting time here.”
