Atlanta United's new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson was introduced to the Atlanta media this week. Here are quotes from Henderson and Atlanta United's President and CEO Garth Lagerwey from the introductory press conference:
Garth Lagerwey: "The year before I came, the Sounders won the Open Cup and the Supporters' Shield in 2014. So I've always said, 'I was the knucklehead. It was like, oh, I'm definitely going to make this better.' But, I mean this sincerely, Chris from day one was open to me and said, 'Hey, I'd love to have you aboard. I think we're going to work great together.' Given his own success to that point, he definitely didn't have to do that. And so there was that trust that the fact that he wanted to work with me, that always meant a lot to me. And that really was the beginning of a great relationship working together."
Chris Henderson:
"I feel to have success in this league, you need to be able to have depth in each position. That's going to be a focus. You can have your, 'What happens when you have injuries? What happens when players get called up to international duty?' You need to have those answers ready and give your coach and your coaching staff all the weapons they need to have success."
Henderson: "The first part with Miami, it was four years there. There was obviously some challenges when I came in. Great organization, great ownership. They have tremendous players. Best player in the world is there. But for me, it was about this opportunity. It was about the potential and the ambition of Atlanta United.
The potential for where we can take this club together. And I feel like it's a great working environment here. This is my second day here, but I love the people here and I love the relationships that are forming here and the collaboration. I think the opportunity and the support of Arthur Blank and the resources this club has and puts to it towards Atlanta United is something that is not common in MLS. To have that kind of support from ownership is great for us as we go to build a winning team."
Lagerwey: "Chris has an incredible eye for talent. Young players, old players, again, he's built different teams and different models across different clubs. I think that type of flexibility and experience, that all ladders up to Chris as a proven winner."
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