Columbus Crew’s new head coach, Henrik Rydstrom, has officially joined the team after facing delays due to work visa issues. Nearly two weeks into the preseason, Rydstrom arrived in Columbus in time to lead his first training session. He was signed on New Year’s Eve to replace former head coach Wilfried Nancy, but his absence meant the team commenced preseason activities on January 10, 2024, without their new leader.
Rydstrom, now in Florida with the team, expressed his frustration during a recent introductory press conference conducted via Zoom. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the visa delays but commended the club’s leadership for their unwavering support. “You get frustrated when things take time, but I also trusted everybody in the organization who did an amazing job,” Rydstrom stated. He added that the time allowed him to prepare adequately for his role, emphasizing communication with players and coaching staff during his absence.
Crew defender Malte Amundsen reflected on the team’s resilience during this transitional period. He mentioned that the squad had the guidance of assistant coaches, which helped maintain a positive atmosphere. “We have Laurent here and some of the academy coaches to guide us, and most importantly, it was us players finding each other, bringing back good energy, and getting the first layer of rust off,” Amundsen noted. The team is now ready to engage in intensive training with Rydstrom at the helm.
Looking ahead, Rydstrom’s first match in charge will be an away game against the Portland Timbers on February 21, 2024. His inaugural home game is scheduled for March 7, 2024, where the Crew will face the Chicago Fire. As the team gears up for the new season, Rydstrom’s leadership will be crucial in shaping their competitive edge in Major League Soccer.
The Columbus Crew’s commitment to fostering a strong team culture and preparing for the upcoming season illustrates their ambition to succeed in a challenging league environment. Rydstrom’s arrival marks a new chapter for the team, and fans will be eager to see how his coaching philosophy translates on the pitch.
