CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

October 27, 2021

Frank Klopas

Press Conference

New York City 1, Chicago 0

Q. What did you think of the team's performance tonight?

FRANK KLOPAS: Look, I think overall, I felt I was proud of the guys because I think they left everything on the field. You know, we competed hard all the way to the end, and I was extremely proud that we did not give up a second goal. I mean, that was huge.

You know, look, we didn't create enough opportunities. You can tell I think from the emotions from the last game, quick turnaround, I think you can tell that the guys were not as sharp. I felt when we needed to in that final third, you needed to be a little bit more dynamic, more explosive. I could tell that the guys were a little bit fatigued from the emotional high from the last game at home; they left everything on the field and I wanted to reward the guys that had put that great performance.

But look, I'm extremely proud of the guys. You know, extremely proud of the way they competed. And like I said, not giving up the second goal, you're always in the game, and we had some opportunities in the end. Maybe not crystal clear opportunities because in the final third we weren't as sharp, but I think we're making tremendous progress as a group and as a team.

Q. Did everyone make it out healthy and okay as far as you know? I know Luka banged heads at the end.

FRANK KLOPAS: He's getting checked, concussion protocol right now. Obviously he's got the big kind of lump on the side of his head. So you know, I think that's an area of concern.

I think Federico had a little bit of a hamstring tightness in the end. So I couldn't tell you right now what it is. He has to get checked and see, you know, how he feels tomorrow.

But overall, I know Gastón had an issue with his ankle. He got stepped on or kicked or something. His foot rolled. So we'll see how that reacts, also, but other than that, pretty much other than those three guys that I mentioned, I think everybody else is fine.

Q. You've been around Jonathan Bornstein now, coaching him for a couple years and as an announcer for the second half of 2019. So what's your impression been of him as a player and a presence around the team, and do you think there should be a role for -- the team should find a way to bring him back for next season, even though he's a little advanced in age?

FRANK KLOPAS: I remember him as a player, also, when he came up into the league. I feel Johnny hasn't changed. He's ageless. I feel he's gotten better over time. He's a tremendous pro. For me, age really doesn't matter. It's about performance. The guy takes care of himself. I feel he can still play and contribute at this level. We have one more game left, but you know, for me, you see the way he performs. You see how he competes every day, how he takes care of his body. It's amazing.

For me, I'm not surprised at all. Johnny, look, we have one more game left and I think we can as a club, you know, that's my opinion, I have my opinion, but I think he's a tremendous asset to any organization.

Q. Never say never, and you've proven that in your career that you should never say never, but this next game might be the last one that you're in charge of as a head coach for the club. Have you thought of that and what does that mean to you?

FRANK KLOPAS: No. I haven't thought about that. I mean, I came in to help the club, and you know, we don't know what the next steps are for anyone. You know, I would do anything for the club, and I've said that. I stepped in as an assistant coach -- well, I was asked, and then I did it because I felt that, okay, if the club needs me to do this in this role, I will do it.

I never think about that. I hope that I have a long future with the club in some capacity. I feel like you have a lot to offer, that's for sure.

And like I said, and I've always said it, as someone who grew up in the Chicago area and played, starting my career and finishing my career with the Fire, I feel like I have a lot to offer. I just hope -- I've been very thankful to be involved in this club and I hope I continue. I don't think about it as a last game plan. Maybe last game as interim coach, but I want to be involved with the club in some capacity, and I feel that I have a lot to offer. And so I don't think about it.

I think the sad thing is, I think about the players, you know, because at the end of the day, for some of us, that will be the last time that we will be together as group. This sport has brought us together from different countries from all over the world, and even though that might be the last game that we play together, the friendships will last forever and I think that's the important thing.

So my message would be to the guys: If that is the last time that that group will be together, let's make it a memorable one. Let's make it memorable. We are going to go -- prepare to go out there and get three points, and if we don't get the three points, I know, and this will be my message; and the guys know where I come from, is that we will put everything into it to try to get the three points. That's all that's on my mind. Not about me; I think about the players. I think about the relationships, and I think about all the hard work that we put in from the beginning, and obviously you know, the disappointment of not achieving the goals and moving forward, and the disappointment that we will not be together because that's the reality.

You know, well, let's make it a memorable last game, that's for sure, and one to remember.

But in the end, all those guys, whether they are playing or not, they will always be a part of the Fire family. That's the most important thing that they have to know. But let's make the fans proud and the club proud the way we compete up to the last game because we're professionals and we owe that every time we put this jersey on, every time, this badge, you've got to kiss it, you've got to wear it with honor, you've got to represent the club and the city and the fans the right way by the work ethic. That's the most important thing, and the values that I transmit to the players and what the club has.