After scoring the equalizing goal in FC Cincinnati’s 2-1 win over Montreal Saturday, Jürgen Locadia has just four matches left in his loan with the orange and blue.
Locadia joined a Zoom call with reporters following his momentum-changing performance in Fort Lauderdale, concealing excitement from a success for both his team and himself. Locadia was asked if the approaching end of his loan at all influenced his performance on the field.
"No, not really," Locadia began his response.
“I always give 100% and some games it works out and some games it doesn’t. I think the last game when I came in against Miami it didn’t and today it did,” Locadia said. “I give 100% always, it doesn’t matter a contract or whatever, that’s not very important.”
Locadia’s loan from English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion was originally set to expire on July 5, 2020. In June 2020, FC Cincinnati made a deal to extend the loan period to June 30, 2021.
At the time, FCC General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said the club saw potential in Locadia, specifically in his goal-scoring abilities.
“We are very pleased and happy Jürgen stays for at least one more year in FC Cincinnati and being successful with the team and also for himself,” Nijkamp said in June 2020.
During the 2020 season, Locadia led all FC Cincinnati players in total shots (4) and shots on goal (3). He scored one goal off the bench in the teams’ season opener against New York City FC.
Now, approximately one year later, four weeks stand before Locadia’s loan expires. At that time, FC Cincinnati will hold a permanent transfer option. Locadia’s contract runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
After starting in 15 of the 17 matches he played in for FC Cincinnati’s 2020 campaign, Locadia has played primarily off the bench this season, with the exception of the teams’ match against Orlando City SC on May 1.
“If my role is to start from the bench, I’m OK with it,” Locadia said. “I think the coach makes the first 11 and I have to respect that and all the players on the bench have to respect that and if he makes other choices, we have to be ready.”
Locadia has payed aggressively off the bench in 2021, tying for second on the team in shots (6) and putting one shot on goal that ultimately became the equalizer in the teams' win Saturday over CF Montreal.
“I think it’s very good that he scored that goal. I think he’s always looking to score goals when he needs to come in or when he starts the game that’s what he does also in training sessions,” Head Coach Jaap Stam said. “It always helps as a forward, as a striker, when you score a goal. It always gives you a boost in what you want to do and what you need to do.”
Locadia's goal, which he scored in just his eighth minute on the field, prompted a comeback victory for FC Cincinnati and put the first tally on the right side of club's 2021 record.
"It's hard to get on the field from the bench when you're down 1-0. You have to create something, and today (Saturday) I created some opportunities,” Locadia said of his performance.
Locadia said he always brings positivity entering a match, which was echoed by his coach.
“Jürgen has been very positive this season in what he needs to do and what he can contribute to the team we spoke about that,” Stam said. “He’s guy who is willing to work very hard for us for himself as well.”
If FC Cincinnati chooses not to exercise the option of permanent transfer with Locadia at the conclusion of his loan, he will return to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Source link
