After the first day of LAFC's preseason training, Bob Bradley said there were probably a few shocked players in the dressing room.
"We threw a lot at all the new faces today, so their heads are spinning a bit," Bradley told the media after the team's first session on the pitch. "But our way of working is typically from the beginning try to get some football ideas on the field and push them to see some of the things we think a good football team does on the field."
Three of those new faces Bradley was speaking about come to LAFC by way of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Peter-Lee Vassell, Javi Pérez, and Kevin Mendoza have all been enjoying their first week of work with LAFC and are working to earn a spot on the 2019 roster.
"We’re adjusting, trying to learn new concepts that the team is trying to apply," Pérez said after training on Thursday. "Honestly, we’re learning a lot. This style of play really adjusts to my style of play. We’re wide open to learning every day and to get going."
Vassell agreed, putting particular emphasis on Bradley's style of coaching.
"It’s a great feeling. [Bradley] teaches a lot," Vassell said. "I just have to take the information and go on the field and produce."
On Sunday, all three rookies will be hoping to see time on the pitch in the team's first training match of 2019 against Toronto FC. After a week of training, the preseason match is a bit of reward for the rookies and also a chance to show they're integrating Bradley's ideas into their play on the pitch.
"I’m very excited. I’m just going to be humble and wait for my chance," Vassell said. "If my name is called, I will go out there and do my best. It’s just to show my best and my best will come."
"Obviously, it’s very exciting. That’s why we train every day, to be able to compete against another team," Pérez added. "So just very excited and can’t wait until Sunday. I’m just trying to add what I can to the team and little by little get my head into the team and just learn. That’s what I need to do now."
Aside from the rigors of training and the excitement of the first opportunity to show what he's learned against an opponent, Pérez was asked how he's acclimating to his new surroundings.
"It’s good. Just enjoying, especially this good weather – it’s very different from Pittsburgh.
"I’m very grateful for this opportunity and just being able to be here."
