Who better to talk to about the 20/401 derby from a Montreal perspective than Patrice Bernier? After all no-one in blue has played in more, 25 (all competitions), than the former captain.
We chatted in the stands this morning as training was coming to a close, at the venue for tomorrow night’s encounter, the 24th in MLS regular and post-season play (Montreal are 9-10-4).
It’s a fixture where depth of feeling and levels of intensity need no explanation to someone with strong roots in the city ...
PB: The derby rivalry with Toronto for somebody who is born here is almost natural, but [even for others] once you join the club you understand that the two teams have different philosophies, the way each wants to do things and operate as clubs, the two cities have different approaches, already language-wise it’s there and the number one aspect when you come here, is that you understand the culture part.