Fire coach Frank Klopas plays up versatility
BY SETH GRUEN For Sun-Times Media January 23, 2013 10:59PM
Frank Klopas of the Chicago Fire, headshot on Media Day, January 18, 2012 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. | Photo by Brian Kersey
Updated: February 25, 2013 12:57PM
Coach Frank Klopas touts versatility as the most important characteristic for any of his players. It’s almost a requirement for any player the Fire signs or drafts. “[The coaching staff can] keep that in mind throughout the season in case there are injuries or because of the amount of games you play during the week,” Klopas said. “You should have players that can play a couple of different spots to be able to rotate guys if you do have the depth.”
The opportunity to play different positions this early in camp gives players the chance for more playing time.
It also promotes more intrasquad competition on a Fire team that is one of the most talented in MLS. “You can always take the six weeks to not only see players in different spots, but also to experiment and see how certain players play together,” Klopas said.
Nyarko has been held out of most of training camp with a “knee issue,” but Klopas underscored that he isn’t concerned. Nyarko is expected to begin running Thursday.
