CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 21, 2026

Jack Elliott

Press Conference

Q. Curious as the group is getting into the last game before the World Cup break what have been some of the takeaways from this season as you guys have not necessarily had a fully healthy squad flute and find yourselves in the top half of the Eastern Conference with one game remaining?

JACK ELLIOTT: I think it speaks volumes being the kind of squad we have with the strength and quality, not just with the first 11 guys but all the way through it; that we can lose Player 2, 3, 4, 5, and still come with the same intensity and the same quality.

So it's a huge thing to have as a team to know that you have that, and especially in-game, knowing that you can have impactful substitutions, too.

Q. Keeping on the World Cup topic for a second, you play next to a couple of guys hopeful to make the World Cup squad, two of your center back partners in Joel and Mbo, as well as Chris Brady playing behind you in the net. How does feel having guys like that in the squad and then those are younger players, and has it been a little bit of a challenge keeping everyone focused and stuff like that in this match just knowing that that's also in the back of their minds and has been all season?

JACK ELLIOTT: No, I think everyone understands the importance of this game before the break, and I think we are doing everything to get ready for it, prepare for it and win it. And after that, it's obviously a focus shift for those guys and hopefully have a successful World Cup. You know, they are all ready for it and they have been excellent all season and shown why they are in that position.

Q. So in the last couple of games, the midfield has had a bit of a different presence than it did earlier in the year where the two have been sitting a lot deeper, especially the last game with Joel, as well, playing there. What have your thoughts been on that and how your role has changed as a passing center back when the midfield has been so much deeper?

JACK ELLIOTT: Yeah, I think it's -- when we're attacking, it's good to have close connections to them and be able to bounce off them and use them, which is good. It draws the other team out a bit more and gives more space in the midfield and for wide guys, too.

So, yeah, it's good. And then defensively, obviously it helps the more bodies you have behind the ball, it makes things easier for us as defenders and center backs to be able to make things predictable and defend.

Q. You probably know about this but three of your teammates are in voting in the MLS All-Stars. I want to ask you what do you think about that, since the Fire hasn't sent any players in recent days to the All-Stars, and also if you vote for one of them?

JACK ELLIOTT: Yeah, obviously I can't put my player vote for a Chicago Fire teammate, otherwise, I'd have us all in there.

But everyone is deserving of their spot, hopefully, in the all stars.

Q. Curious when we look back at last week's result, it was a game in D.C. where it took an hour before the group was finally really able to break D.C. down, and then this last weekend you guys seemed to be in a lot more control at the start and had to do a lot of defending at the end. What does that result do for you guys, understanding that patience can be a benefit, as long as you continue to play your style of soccer?

JACK ELLIOTT: Yeah, I think it was a huge game for us, honestly, in a lot of ways, conceding the first goal is not something you want to do but it happens, and it's going to happen again. So being able to stay calm and continue to play the way we have been playing and find a way to break them down was huge.

And we found our way, and you know, with help from the bench with Puso coming in and giving a change in the dynamics. D.C. players, you know, got a bit more worn out. Created a bit more space for us to be able to play, which again, and just the general fight through set pieces and the way that they play requires a battle, which is huge.

And I think that gives us confidence in games where it's not always going to be pretty. And I think it is similar in Montréal where at the end of a three-game week, the mind can start to wander. The legs start getting a bit tired. But you know, we did everything through the 90 minutes to fight and come out with a win there, too.

So I think mentally it was huge for us to win those games and get through those moments.

Q. How did you feel this first half of the season playing with Mbokazi, and what can you say about his impact on the team and in the league?

JACK ELLIOTT: It's been great. I think he's an incredible player, physical specimen, and also understands the game very well and is in good positions to defend and help out in any way.

So it's been great. It's been a pleasure playing with him. Hopefully we'll get many years together.

Q. So you mentioned Fire's ability to get results, sometimes missing some key pieces due to injury. Toronto have been in an even worse spot with missing ten-plus guys for a couple of matches. They haven't really been getting results but they have been staying in games and still look dangerous in moments. What are you expecting from them on Saturday?

JACK ELLIOTT: Yeah, they are obviously a difficult team to play against and make it tough for opponents. You never know what can happen in this league. Just staying focused for 90 minutes is going to be a crucial part of the game, and trying to, again, enforce our way on the game and not get sucked into the way another team is playing and the way they want us to play.

So it's certainly a challenge. Those teams that are doing everything and not quite getting the result is always a difficult game to play in because they are hungry and want to do everything to get a result.

Q. How are you doing after the last couple months physically? You came back very quickly. Where are you at at this point, and is there a level of excitement to just have a couple weeks off, given everything you've dealt with over last few months?

JACK ELLIOTT: I feel good, actually. Yeah, it took a little bit to get back to full fitness. Some extra fitness sessions. Some extra work on the bike. But I think I got -- I'm back to a good spot.

You know, the break is going to be interesting. We've never had to deal with something like that. I think it will be good for some guys to get recharged. So that will be exciting, and then to try and prepare for the second half of the season with another preseason.

So it will be interesting for sure.