‘David vs. Goliath’: York United’s Mora, Atlético Ottawa’s González speak ahead of CPL Playoff clash

2024-10-25

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Ahead of what promises to be a fiery fixture between two Ontario rivals in the CPL Playoffs quarter-final, York United head coach Benjamín Mora and Atlético Ottawa’s Carlos González spoke to the media in two highly anticipated press conferences on Friday.

Following the last time the two sides played, a 1-0 victory for York United on Oct. 6, the two managers shared verbal blows, making their playoff reunion a highly anticipated event.

Ahead of their clash on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. ET at TD Place, live on OneSoccer, here is what both managers had to say.

Carlos González, Atlético Ottawa head coach

On his past comments calling York United ‘the weakest team in the playoffs’

“I don’t regret that. I think that you have to analyze the context of the question, how it came that they asked me if we were afraid of playing York in a playoff game. So, of course, we were not afraid of playing York, or playing any team. And also in that moment of the season at the end of the day the comparison was playing against them or playing against Cavalry or Forge so that’s why I answered the question. So I think this is part of the sauce that the media side like, it’s good to build on a rivalry between York and Ottawa. But I say nothing more about that, I totally respect their side, I think they’ve done good things, that’s why they’re here.”

On the growing rivalry between the two teams and how his side are preparing for an emotional match

“You know, on one hand, I think growing this rivalry between both teams is very positive at the end of the day. Is good for the league. You know, I think this is the type of sauce that everybody likes, very positive that we play against each other, we have a healthy rivalry. Because I think it has to be healthy, it doesn’t have to go over a certain line. And I think it’s very positive for the sport in the country. On the other hand, I think we’re preparing a different type of scenarios during the week so that the players feels that certain emotions they’ve lived already. York, they are a team that they manage really well this extra football, you know, they’re this type of team. So we have to acknowledge that. We know that, and we have to also be very good on that this week.”

On his team’s momentum coming into the playoffs

I think we are in the most important moment of the season. We have great motivation playing here at home for our fans to the final game, and in this moment in which everyone is available, you know, so I’m very happy for it. I think that we’ve worked so much so that we can get into this moment, and you can see it in the training sessions. I think that the team is increasing individually, and the level of the playoffs, collectively. I felt that the past month, the team has given a very solid phase. And I think that this is the most important thing going into playoff games in which the details are going to be critical. What you have done in the past doesn’t matter too much, you know? It’s a brand-new tournament. It’s a new competition, and it’s a knockout game. It’s 90 minutes in which details are going to be so, so important and we have to take care of our business, the things that we can control, and be a team with stability and play the game that we want to play.”

On his team’s losing record against York this season

“It’s a different type of tournament. If we’re playing tomorrow against Forge, do you think that we will win the game just because we’ve won three times against them? I don’t think so. It’s a completely new game, new competition with new external factors, with new momentum of different teams, with new players that probably haven’t played the last game for both teams. So as I say, we can learn from certain situations that we could have improved in confrontations against them. But in reality, it’s a brand new situation, and we see it like that. I don’t think if we won the past three games against them, that would make us nearer to win. I think it’s a completely different tournament.”

Benjamín Mora, York United head coach

On Atlético Ottawa being the favourites coming into this match

“Well, David versus Goliath, right? We’re the ones that seem like the underdogs. I say always we’re a small team because we are building up. We’re a baby, that is just born six months ago or eight months ago, with the new ownership. Of course, York United has been around for a long time, but in this new stage, we’re a new team. So we’re small and we’re trying to grow. They have the backup of Atlético de Madrid. They’re in the capital of Canada. They’re Super Ottawa. So they’re obligated to win the game. Us, we’re fighters, we’re the David that is wanting to beat any team. In this case, it’s Ottawa so we feel very good. We like it because we’re not afraid of anyone. We respect every team, but we’re not afraid of them, and we have showed them three times already that we’re not afraid so let’s hope that it’s a fourth time.”

On Carlos González’s comments about his team the last time they played

I’m not a judge of what the opponents think about us. I’m not a judge. I’m not the one that has to judge. Carlos’ words in the last game that is in the past, if that is what he said, and he needs to know why. But sometimes when you say things you must maintain in the action, right? So really for me, I’m focusing on my voice. I’m focusing on York United. I’m focusing on the team, Ottawa, on how they play, and how they unfold, and how they defend and what are their dangers, what are the opportunities we have. Because I’m a coach, I’m not a clown. I’m not going to be fighting situations that are not important. The important thing is our team that they’re sure they can be good in that game and have a good performance.

On managing emotions in Sunday’s game

“All games in the world are emotional. This is the sport, that involves emotions and thoughts, and of course moments of pressure and moments of joy and always changing. So I don’t expect anything different for that part. I mean, Ottawa is not very special for me in any way, I mean it’s another opponent, and it’s just one that we have to face. We’re focused on what we do. We’re focused on York United. We’re a team that is fighting for a spot, for an important place in the Canadian Premier League. We’re growing. I’ve been here for five months and a half, and it’s just the start of a good journey. So going to Ottawa for us, we already achieved a good season, and we’re going to take what we can. I mean, we have nothing to lose in this game. Nobody thought that we were going to be in this stage at the beginning of the season, on the contrary of our opponent.”

On building on a historic victory over Pacific FC

“We enjoyed our first game of the playoffs. And of course, now it’s a time of analysis, and explaining to the guys what they do. Well, what can we fix? What can we improve? But I think overall, it was a great game, great performance, individually and collectively, but that’s in the past, and now we’re just recovering players, trying to give the best instructions possible for the next game. We know how Ottawa players, the intention of their coach, and of course, we’re eager to go there and try to do a good job respecting our style. Do not betray what we’ve been doing, and just hope that the players come out in a great way in order to get closer to achieving victory.”