The following interviews were conducted at the 2019 MLS Media & Marketing Tour in January. Media are encouraged to use the information and video clips, with proper credit toward Major League Soccer for all media usage in video, audio, digital or print form. Interview topics include previewing of the 2019 MLS season, the new postseason format, league development and expansion, the growing impact of strong Latin American players and coaches, the 2019 Concacaf Champions League and much more:
(Player alphabetical order)
- Fanendo Adi, FC Cincinnati – CLICK HERE
- On his role with the expansion club, the fan support and passion in Cincinnati, growth in North America and impact in the global stage, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- On his role with the expansion club, the fan support and passion in Cincinnati, growth in North America and impact in the global stage, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC – CLICK HERE
- Concacaf Champions League success, rebounding from last season, the balance of a high-profile/year-round schedule, impressions of Gregg Berhalter as U.S. head coach, thoughts on TFC's Jonathan Osorio, building Toronto FC into a regular championship-caliber club, expansion coming into Miami
- Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union – CLICK HERE
- Head coach Jim Curtin, Philadelphia's talented young defense, the new postseason format, trying to get over the last hurdle in the U.S. Open Cup, the Concacaf Gold Cup, continuing to improve his game
- Teal Bunbury, New England Revolution – CLICK HERE
- Coming off a strong individual season in 2018, first full season under head coach Brad Friedel, the team's high-press style, the new single-elimination postseason format, new training facility on the horizon, involvement in pushing the younger players, the league's exponential growth
- Coming off a strong individual season in 2018, first full season under head coach Brad Friedel, the team's high-press style, the new single-elimination postseason format, new training facility on the horizon, involvement in pushing the younger players, the league's exponential growth
- Adama Diomande, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- Last year's debut MLS season, reuniting with head coach Bob Bradley, potential for LAFC to be one of the top offenses in MLS, environment playing at Banc of California Stadium, the Hollywood and superstar ownership group, the rivalry with the LA Galaxy, the new single-elimination postseason format and schedule before the international window
- Last year's debut MLS season, reuniting with head coach Bob Bradley, potential for LAFC to be one of the top offenses in MLS, environment playing at Banc of California Stadium, the Hollywood and superstar ownership group, the rivalry with the LA Galaxy, the new single-elimination postseason format and schedule before the international window
- Dom Dwyer, Orlando City SC – CLICK HERE
- On seeing the five-year growth in Orlando since his USL debut, the reunion with head coach James O'Connor, processing the previous year's missing the postseason, the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target coming to Orlando, on Gregg Berhalter being the U.S. National Team head coach, the growing rivalries in the southeast corridor of North America.
- On seeing the five-year growth in Orlando since his USL debut, the reunion with head coach James O'Connor, processing the previous year's missing the postseason, the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target coming to Orlando, on Gregg Berhalter being the U.S. National Team head coach, the growing rivalries in the southeast corridor of North America.
- Bill Hamid, D.C. United – CLICK HERE
- Returning to MLS and the buzz in Washington, D.C. and Audi Field, his journey at D.C. United since age 14, the impact and leadership of Wayne Rooney, on a big year for the U.S. Men's National Team including the Concacaf Gold Cup, on the evolution of MLS and seeing heavier interest and following abroad.
- Returning to MLS and the buzz in Washington, D.C. and Audi Field, his journey at D.C. United since age 14, the impact and leadership of Wayne Rooney, on a big year for the U.S. Men's National Team including the Concacaf Gold Cup, on the evolution of MLS and seeing heavier interest and following abroad.
- Federico Higuain, Columbus Crew SC – CLICK HERE
- On the exciting future with new Columbus ownership, on playing for new head coach Caleb Porter, on the growth of 2018 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Zack Steffen, on the league's young Latin American growth and dynamic play, Latin American head coaches, the new single-elimination postseason format, on Atlanta United's blockbuster 2018 championship season.
- On the exciting future with new Columbus ownership, on playing for new head coach Caleb Porter, on the growth of 2018 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Zack Steffen, on the league's young Latin American growth and dynamic play, Latin American head coaches, the new single-elimination postseason format, on Atlanta United's blockbuster 2018 championship season.
- Danny Hoesen, San Jose Earthquakes – CLICK HERE
- The excitement of playing for 2018 Concacaf Coach of the Year Matias Almeyda and his attacking style, on building off of a strong 2018 season individually, on rebounding for a postseason-level season in 2019, on a growing leadership role, on playing with Chris Wondolowski, the new postseason format.
- The excitement of playing for 2018 Concacaf Coach of the Year Matias Almeyda and his attacking style, on building off of a strong 2018 season individually, on rebounding for a postseason-level season in 2019, on a growing leadership role, on playing with Chris Wondolowski, the new postseason format.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović, LA Galaxy – CLICK HERE
- On his first season in MLS in 2018, seeing the fandom throughout MLS, on rebounding for the LA Galaxy faithful heading into 2019, on the budding LA rivalry with LAFC, on the new single-elimination postseason format.
- On his first season in MLS in 2018, seeing the fandom throughout MLS, on rebounding for the LA Galaxy faithful heading into 2019, on the budding LA rivalry with LAFC, on the new single-elimination postseason format.
- Kei Kamara, Colorado Rapids – CLICK HERE
- On Kamara's goalscoring drive and transition to Colorado, the Rapids' veteran leadership, the opportunity to play for head coach Anthony Hudson and his staff, on the balance of play throughout MLS, on the new single-elimination postseason format, on Dr. Pete Edwards' efforts with Columbus Crew SC as new ownership takes the club forward.
- On Kamara's goalscoring drive and transition to Colorado, the Rapids' veteran leadership, the opportunity to play for head coach Anthony Hudson and his staff, on the balance of play throughout MLS, on the new single-elimination postseason format, on Dr. Pete Edwards' efforts with Columbus Crew SC as new ownership takes the club forward.
- Collin Martin, Minnesota United FC – CLICK HERE
- On taking part on The Late Late Show with James Corden, on his decision to come out during Pride Month in 2018, the messages and interaction with those who have reached out to Martin with their personal/family questions, on looking to have a breakout year in 2019, Minnesota building a strong corps for the new season, this year's opening of the much anticipated Allianz Field.
- On taking part on The Late Late Show with James Corden, on his decision to come out during Pride Month in 2018, the messages and interaction with those who have reached out to Martin with their personal/family questions, on looking to have a breakout year in 2019, Minnesota building a strong corps for the new season, this year's opening of the much anticipated Allianz Field.
- Nicolas Lodeiro, Seattle Sounders FC – CLICK HERE
- On looking to start out more quickly for the 2019 season, last year's addition of Raul Ruidiaz, his motivation after not making Uruguay's 2018 FIFA World Cup, the continued influx of South American talent impacting MLS, as well as South American coaches.
- On looking to start out more quickly for the 2019 season, last year's addition of Raul Ruidiaz, his motivation after not making Uruguay's 2018 FIFA World Cup, the continued influx of South American talent impacting MLS, as well as South American coaches.
- Felipe Martins, Vancouver Whitecaps FC – CLICK HERE
- On the addition of head coach Marc Dos Santos and his mentality and experience, on the tightly contested Western Conference, on MLS' global growth and opportunities, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- On the addition of head coach Marc Dos Santos and his mentality and experience, on the tightly contested Western Conference, on MLS' global growth and opportunities, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC – CLICK HERE
- On the long-term faith Toronto FC has shown in securing Osorio with a new contract, on last year's Concacaf Champions League success both individually and as a club, on the emotionally tough 2018, seeing the rise of TFC as an elite organization both in MLS and the Concacaf region.
- On the long-term faith Toronto FC has shown in securing Osorio with a new contract, on last year's Concacaf Champions League success both individually and as a club, on the emotionally tough 2018, seeing the rise of TFC as an elite organization both in MLS and the Concacaf region.
- Paxton Pomykal, FC Dallas – CLICK HERE
- On the opportunity to play for his former Academy coach Luchi Gonzalez, how Gonzalez impacted Pomykal's early Academy years, FC Dallas' youth pathway and success, his optimism for some heavier contributions in 2019, on MLS' growing impact in the Concacaf Champions League, on the future addition of Austin to have three MLS clubs in Texas, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- On the opportunity to play for his former Academy coach Luchi Gonzalez, how Gonzalez impacted Pomykal's early Academy years, FC Dallas' youth pathway and success, his optimism for some heavier contributions in 2019, on MLS' growing impact in the Concacaf Champions League, on the future addition of Austin to have three MLS clubs in Texas, the new single-elimination postseason format.
- Wayne Rooney, D.C. United – CLICK HERE
- On his first MLS season in 2018, raising the level of play of the club and teammates at D.C. United, the partnership playing alongside Luciano Acosta, on the new single-elimination playoff format, on adjusting to football in North America, the growth of MLS since his Manchester United tenure.
- On his first MLS season in 2018, raising the level of play of the club and teammates at D.C. United, the partnership playing alongside Luciano Acosta, on the new single-elimination playoff format, on adjusting to football in North America, the growth of MLS since his Manchester United tenure.
- Diego Rossi, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- On his debut MLS campaign during LAFC's 2018 expansion season, playing for head coach Bob Bradley, seeing the influx of Latin American talent playing a heavy role in MLS, the budding rivalry with the LA Galaxy, on the new single-elimination postseason format.
- On his debut MLS campaign during LAFC's 2018 expansion season, playing for head coach Bob Bradley, seeing the influx of Latin American talent playing a heavy role in MLS, the budding rivalry with the LA Galaxy, on the new single-elimination postseason format.
- Albert Rusnak, Real Salt Lake – CLICK HERE
- On his extension and finding a home with RSL, working with head coach Mike Petke, on last year's postseason and getting past LAFC, meshing the interesting dynamic of youth and veteran play on Salt Lake's roster, the new single-elimination playoff format.
- On his extension and finding a home with RSL, working with head coach Mike Petke, on last year's postseason and getting past LAFC, meshing the interesting dynamic of youth and veteran play on Salt Lake's roster, the new single-elimination playoff format.
- Daniel Salloi, Sporting Kansas City – CLICK HERE
- On a successful campaign both individually and as a club, on being part of an organization that has a strong track record for developing through Sporting's Academy system, on teenage talent Gianluca Busio, on how Matt Besler has helped Salloi from the start, on winning the Western Conference in 2018, the new single-elimination postseason format, the 2019 Concacaf Champions League and MLS's play against Liga MX sides.
- On a successful campaign both individually and as a club, on being part of an organization that has a strong track record for developing through Sporting's Academy system, on teenage talent Gianluca Busio, on how Matt Besler has helped Salloi from the start, on winning the Western Conference in 2018, the new single-elimination postseason format, the 2019 Concacaf Champions League and MLS's play against Liga MX sides.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire – CLICK HERE
- On trying to return to the form the club showed in 2017, on his versatility in both the attack and defense, competing in Chicago and amplifying the sport in the competitive market.
- On trying to return to the form the club showed in 2017, on his versatility in both the attack and defense, competing in Chicago and amplifying the sport in the competitive market.
- Carlos Vela, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- On his first MLS season with expansion LAFC, on the chemistry playing alongside Diego Rossi, on his standout performance for Mexico during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, on former Atlanta United manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino taking on the role for Mexico's national team head coach.
- On his first MLS season with expansion LAFC, on the chemistry playing alongside Diego Rossi, on his standout performance for Mexico during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, on former Atlanta United manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino taking on the role for Mexico's national team head coach.
- Kendall Waston, FC Cincinnati – CLICK HERE
- On his move to expansion MLS side Cincinnati, on his history with head coach Alan Koch who was previously with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC organization, on the MLS-caliber talent brought in during FC Cincinnati's USL season, on moving to the Eastern Conference side, on the new single-elimination postseason format and schedule, on scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup for Costa Rica, on his him country hosting multiple Concacaf Gold Cup games this year.
- On his move to expansion MLS side Cincinnati, on his history with head coach Alan Koch who was previously with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC organization, on the MLS-caliber talent brought in during FC Cincinnati's USL season, on moving to the Eastern Conference side, on the new single-elimination postseason format and schedule, on scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup for Costa Rica, on his him country hosting multiple Concacaf Gold Cup games this year.
- Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls – CLICK HERE
- On the Red Bulls' seamless and high-level play when Chris Armas took charge of the club as head coach, on the eagerness for achieving an MLS Cup after many successful regular seasons, on the goalscoring consistency during his Red Bulls tenure, the 100-goal celebration in 2018, new single-elimination playoff format, the Red Bulls' success and MLS' success in last year's Concacaf Champions League.
- On the Red Bulls' seamless and high-level play when Chris Armas took charge of the club as head coach, on the eagerness for achieving an MLS Cup after many successful regular seasons, on the goalscoring consistency during his Red Bulls tenure, the 100-goal celebration in 2018, new single-elimination playoff format, the Red Bulls' success and MLS' success in last year's Concacaf Champions League.
Credit: Major League Soccer
(Club alphabetical order)
- Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire – CLICK HERE
- Fanendo Adi, FC Cincinnati – CLICK HERE
- Kendall Waston, FC Cincinnati – CLICK HERE
- Kei Kamara, Colorado Rapids – CLICK HERE
- Federico Higuain, Columbus Crew SC – CLICK HERE
- Paxton Pomykal, FC Dallas – CLICK HERE
- Bill Hamid, D.C. United – CLICK HERE
- Wayne Rooney, D.C. United – CLICK HERE
- Daniel Salloi, Sporting Kansas City – CLICK HERE
- Zlatan Ibrahimović, LA Galaxy – CLICK HERE
- Ola Kamara, LA Galaxy – CLICK HERE
- Adama Diomande, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- Diego Rossi, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- Carlos Vela, Los Angeles Football Club – CLICK HERE
- Collin Martin, Minnesota United FC – CLICK HERE
- Teal Bunbury, New England Revolution – CLICK HERE
- Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls – CLICK HERE
- Dom Dwyer, Orlando City SC – CLICK HERE
- Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union – CLICK HERE
- Albert Rusnak, Real Salt Lake – CLICK HERE
- Danny Hoesen, San Jose Earthquakes – CLICK HERE
- Nicolas Lodeiro, Seattle Sounders FC – CLICK HERE
- Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC – CLICK HERE
- Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC – CLICK HERE
- Felipe Martins, Vancouver Whitecaps FC – CLICK HERE
Credit: Major League Soccer
