The Fire’s expected move to Soldier Field for the 2020 season is the biggest story around the franchise. But the current group is scraping to get into the MLS playoffs, and if the team’s performance doesn’t improve some players and staff might not be around for the switch.
Coach Veljko Paunovic acknowledges that could include him.
“If we don’t perform, we might not be here next year, so there is no future moving to Chicago in the city if this year we are not (performing), and I include myself too,” Paunovic said. “We all know that whatever is the individual goals that we have, whether we want to be here or we don’t want to be here or guys have other motivations, we have to perform now and we have to be on the same page.”
The possibility of changes – regardless of the home field – means it’s crucial for Paunovic and his players to focus on what’s happening on the field. Paunovic and the roster aren’t involved in negotiations or leases, and they don’t have to read the news.
All they can do is play and focus on maintaining their fitness, the next practice, the next game, and overall improvement.
“It’s just, what you can do now,” Paunovic said. “There’s no future without a good present. Focus on that.”
The Fire’s present, at least on the field, is murky.
They enter Saturday’s game in Bridgeview against last-place FC Cincinnati out of the Eastern Conference playoffs. At 5-8-7 (22 points), the Fire have shown flashes of being a complete team. Yet for every dominant game like the 5-1 win last Wednesday against Atlanta United, there’s been a clunker like the 1-0 loss three days later at Sporting Kansas City.
Paunovic’s attention must be on the field. It is, and that’s what he’s showing his players.
“Focus on the moment,” Paunovic said. “That’s how we keep them. I think the best way to do that is that we the staff and me as a head coach, I have to represent that. For me, it’s really easy. My biggest motivation is (always) the next game, and I want to win.”
That isn’t to say Paunovic doesn’t have thoughts on the potential move.
He said it’s exciting, shows improvements the Fire are making behind the scenes, and also illustrates a bright future for the franchise. However, Paunovic said he and the team are thankful to Bridgeview and the people who have worked to help, support and serve the team while it’s been in the southwest suburb.
“That’s what we have to focus on, on where we are right now, knowing that a bright future is coming,” Paunovic said. “Going to the city is a big thing for the club and definitely for the city too, because I believe a city like Chicago needs a winning soccer team with passion, with players who are capable of winning the games and giving a show on the field and also having great characters off the field.”
