CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

November 3, 2021

Mauricio Pineda

Press Conference

Q. You've been at this for a couple years now at the pro level. What's the biggest thing you would say you've learned in those two years?

MAURICIO PINEDA: Yeah, I think I've learned a lot in these two years. There's a lot to take away from my first two years as a professional. I think on the basic level, I think I've learned from a lot of the older guys that are here, like Francisco, Bobby, having them in the back with me has been super helpful and getting to know the league, and just learning what the league -- what the league is about and what it takes to be successful in it.

So I'm glad to have those guys around me to help me out and hopefully we can learn from these two years and keep pushing forward.

Q. From a player's perspective, what is the main take away for the Chicago Fire's 2021 season, and what do you guys need it do in the off-season to kind of get back to where the level the club used to be at in its early history?

MAURICIO PINEDA: I would say a positive takeaway is that we have guys that never really gave up. I know it's been a difficult season for all the guys, for the staff and all of the people, but we've kept pushing. There's a lot to take from that and a lot to work with with that.

Obviously we are far from where we want to be, but I think if we have guys that want to work and that want to keep trying to improve and make this team better, I think that's something that the fans can appreciate and hopefully we can give back to the city, to the club with better results in the future.

Q. Just from last year to this year, there was a lot of continuity with the playing roster and coaching, but next season, you guys are going to have a new coach, and the roster could turn over a lot between now and next season. What are your thoughts going into an off-season that you're going to be here but a lot of your teammates might not be. What are your thoughts going into an off-season that could be very busy for the club?

MAURICIO PINEDA: Yeah, I think it's always difficult when there's a busy off-season, a change in staff, a change in player roster. So I think the most important thing going into next year is to try to get everyone on the same page, everyone stepping in the right direction, the same direction. So hopefully we can do that and figure that out as soon as possible going into preseason.

Q. I wanted to ask you about Gabriel Slonina. What has stood out to you about the way he handles himself on and off the field?

MAURICIO PINEDA: I think the one thing that stands out is he's a professional. He's always ready. He comes in early. He leaves last. Even when he wasn't seeing a minute on the field, he was always the first one here. Always prepared for when his name was called. So I think that showed exactly what he does in his preparation. And he's brave. When he steps on the field, he was courageous and he showed what he was about.

So I think that's excellent to see from someone that's 17 years old. So, yeah, he's been outstanding.