CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

March 9, 2024

Fabian Herbers

Press Conference

Columbus 2, Chicago 1

Q. Fabi, tough to throw up points at the end, but over these three games, a tough three games. How do you think the team has played overall in these three difficult matches?

FABIAN HERBERS: Yeah, like you said, it was not the easiest start to the season. You know, playing at Philly, at home against Cincy and now at Columbus. You know, obviously standing out there with one point, another disappointed result today.

But I thought, yeah, we could have came out with more today. We at least deserved a point. It's tough to come away with yet another overtime goal. Yeah, it's just frustrating because like you said, we can't put our head in the sand right now. We had a very, very difficult three games and we have to keep our head up, keep fighting, keep going and the season is still long.

But I'm proud of the group, the way we thought not only here but also in Philly. Yeah, I think since Cincy was okay, but the two away games, we played head-to-head with two of the best teams in the league and the Eastern Conference. But still we have to know that the pressure is on when we have to start getting points.

Q. That goal, big one for the Fire right after the nice one from Columbus. Bit of an emotional goal, first goal for a long time for the Fire. How did that feel all things considered with the rut?

FABIAN HERBERS: Yeah, in the moment, it felt good. It was the tying goal. I think after going down 1-0, I think the group showed character. We kept pushing. Created some chances. If you look at the quality of chances, I thought we had even better chances than Columbus for a stretch of the game.

Yeah, just happy to get on the score sheet. But yeah, unfortunately it's not enough. So I'd rather would have taken a point or three points than me scoring.

Q. How do you feel working with Hugo, you had a nice couple passes to him. How has that been developing for you?

FABIAN HERBERS: Yeah, I was able to steal the ball once or twice off their defensive six. Yeah, it was good to create chances. I think he makes good runs. Now it's just about obviously getting the finishing touch. Over time that will come as he gets adjusted to the League, and I think, yeah, understanding what's good overall.

But I think he's putting in the work. He's fighting for the group and he's a good teammate. So hopefully he can get on the score sheet as well.

Q. I think heading into the season, not a lot of people had you nailed down as a starter, but you played very well, two goals and an assist. How do you feel about yourself playing a variety of different positions to start the year and helping the team?

FABIAN HERBERS: Yeah, like you said, I just try to no matter what position the coach puts me in, I try to do the best to help the team. Fortunately I was able to do that over the first couple games. I try to play my best and help the team in the best way possible, and, yeah, try to help the team win. I feel like we still have come short with that.

Disappointing, obviously, but you know happy to be on the field, and yeah, the more minutes I can get, the happier I am. But you know, hopefully I would like to see this team winning and hopefully we can get some more points and then everybody would be happier as well.

Q. A game mens Montréal a week from today, plenty of time to prepare. What kind of reaction do you want to see from everyone the next couple days?

FABIAN HERBERS: Yeah, I think keep up the braveness with the ball. Keep up the confidence. I thought we had some really good moments. Obviously Columbus was putting the pressure on us with the possession.

But I think if we have our moments and if we can find more moments of those where we keep the ball and put them under pressure, against Montréal I want to see that. And I want to still see the fight that we brought today, but then be better with the ball, and yeah, keep moving it more and create even more chances and finishing those chances.