CHICAGO -- Much of the offseason dialogue emanating from the Chicago Fire’s newly-installed general manager Nelson Rodriguez and head coach Veljko Paunovic has revolved around buzz words: “The Plan”, “The Process” and talk of an “adaptable” style.
Specifics have, however, been few and far between; both men kept cards close to their chests as they worked diligently behind the scenes to shed 2015’s last-placed squad of players who didn’t quite buy into the new ethos, bringing in men with the “character," “personality” and “passion” that they hope will define the Paunovic era at Toyota Park.
Paunovic, who led Serbia to the U-20 World Cup last summer, oversaw his first training session with the new charges Monday in a session filled with the passion, precision and learning that he has spoken so much about.