CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

October 24, 2026

Philip Zinckernagel

Press Conference

Chicago Fire FC 3, Atlanta 2

Q. When was the last time, if ever, that you've had an indirect free kick goal and what was that like?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: I don't think I've ever had an indirect free kick goal to be honest. But it's not often they happen. But yeah, it was nice to see it go in.

Q. And what do you think this win can kind of do for you guys after two tough results, you guys get the win in Atlanta, tough place for this franchise, and the first time you guys have gotten a win while conceding multiple goals this year?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: No, I think it's a very good win. I think we've been a little bit unlucky in the last couple games, and I think again today we have periods where we look really strong. And what I would say is I would like us to be a little bit more consistent throughout the game because we have periods in the first half and we have periods in the second half where we look really, really strong.

But yeah, we are not super consistent over the whole game, but yeah, it's a great win and also happy that Anzor came in and scored a good goal and is being a part of the team now.

Q. How much did you have to congratulate Anton forgetting you the assist and setting you up on that one?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: I gave him a big hug. It's actually tricky because you don't want to touch the ball too early. So you don't want to give the defender or the keeper time. The timing was perfect, actually. He timed it just before I hit the ball. So big assist from him.

Q. There's two goals from guys playing a little bit deeper in the midfield. How useful is that going to be, knowing you guys are in the playoff and fans and facing tough defenses the rest of the way?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: It's very important for us that we have different types of goal scorers. We have guys from the midfield that can score. We have potentially fullbacks, who also can score goals, and it's just -- it's a good strength of ours now, and I think we have actually more to see. We look dangerous again on set pieces. I think we are going in the right direction, and yeah, I think we will see in the next few games maybe a few goals from the defenders, also, in these set pieces, and yeah, it's something that can bring us some confidence going into the playoffs.

Q. I guess for you, and this is a good stadium for unusual set piece goals after the Cup last year. Is there any satisfaction in beating Atlanta after the way the game last year ended?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: It was kind of similar. They were pressing us late in this game, and I'm just very happy with the way the group handled it, even though they were close. We dig deep, and showed some character. Andrew came in and had some really nice saves and blocks last minute.

And the team spirit, just seems like it's really good moment. Everyone is coming in and helping, either from the beginning of the game or coming in from the bench. That's just a sign of a strong team.

Q. Can you talk about Johnny, a big performance today with big stops at the end what did you see from him in this game and working with him on that side?

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL: I love playing with Johnny. He's played. He always does the right stuff. He works hard. Always gives me the ball in the right moments and he never complains. He's just a fantastic guy and a very underrated defender in this league, in my opinion.