After training today, I spoke with Union captain and midfielder Alejandro Bedoya about his return from injury, the fans’ frustrations, and the Olympics with Union homegrowns on the roster.

The Union training on Thursday, July 11th. Photos by Jillian Almoney. Main article photo of Alejandro Bedoya courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

It was a less oppressive day in terms of heat and humidity in Chester at training this morning, though the jackhammer working on the land adjacent to the practice field created a cacophony of construction noises. Andre Blake was off to the side, all smiles and seemingly in good spirits. It was certainly great to see him back in training, his presence sorely missed during his time dealing with injury. He won’t be back yet, but is well on his way. It was very encouraging to see Mikael Uhre and Jesús Bueno back and fully training. In his presser today, Coach Jim Curtin confirmed they would be back.

Also back was Alejandro Bedoya, who missed some time due to injury recently, but came in late off the bench versus the New York Red Bulls last Saturday. I had a chance to speak with him and get his thoughts on his return, the fans’ frustrations, and the homegrowns who are off to the Olympics.

Full interview audio: Alejandro Bedoya on 7/11/24:

Full transcript: (some parts edited for clarity)

So, first of all, you played 11 minutes on Saturday, how’d you feel getting back out there and playing after the time off?

Alejandro Bedoya: Yeah, I mean, I just anytime I’m able to step on the field, it’s what I want to do, you know, I’d rather be on the field than off of it. So I was just happy to be on the field and, you know, try to contribute to the game, I thought, you know, keeping a clean sheet was important for us because we’ve conceded way too many goals this season. And I like the intensity of the team. But you know, I just tried to get out there and I gotta get back to match fitness, right? Because I’ve been away for three weeks, and with the heat and humidity, all these factors play into your match fitness, it’s completely different than training or getting on the bike and treadmill. So yeah, I’m working my way back to match fitness. So I’m just happy to be not injured.

You’ve always been close to the fans. And I’m sure you’ve seen the supporters’ protests and all that. Just curious on your thoughts on all that and if you think the team needs help moving forward, and if you have any messages to the fans?

AB: I mean, the only thing I have for the fans is, you know, just stick with the players, right. I think that’s the most important thing. I’ve always said, they’re like our twelfth man. And there’s been so many instances throughout the years, I’ve been here where the fans really have helped push us forward. The most clear one was against Red Bull at home in the playoff game, when we were down, I think 3-1 at halftime or something like that. The fans let us have it, but they also got behind us. And that really helped propel us to our first playoff victory. So like, you know, just even during tough moments, I know, the real fans are gonna stick behind the players. So I understand that frustration, you know, fans are passionate, that’s what we love about Philly sports teams in general. I just expected nothing less.

But at the same time, I can understand their frustration. And trust me, as much as they’re frustrated, we are as well. We are just two years removed from the MLS Cup Final. And as players, we’re the ultimate competitors, and I want to win. I’m an ambitious person, and I’m here to win, I play to win. And I played to keep playing at the top. So just that, I understand the fans, I’m with them, I hope they keep sticking through our players, because that’s the most important thing. The rest of the stuff, you know, that’s out of my control. But a lot of guys have been on record, I’ve been on record in the past for, you know, for various reasons. And I’m just here to do the best I can to make sure that we’re prepared in every game that I’m a part of, you get back to winning ways, because we do still have a core of a team that can compete with anybody in league.

Having seen the development of Jack McGlynn and Nate Harriel from homegrowns to now representing the US at the Olympics- first talk about how big that is for the club having two, and then three if you count Paxten on the roster. Any words of advice for them?

AB: Yeah, look, I’ve seen them come through the ranks, if you will, obviously. So it’s been awesome. I sit literally right between them in the locker room, you know, with Jack McGlynn, I’ve got a relationship, with Nate as well a great relationship. Paxten, I keep in touch with from afar with his brother. Just to see them continue to grow and get better in different ways, right? Because we all know about Jack’s sweet left foot, but I think all these guys can have room for improvement. Jack, maybe on the defensive side, tactical part of the game. Nate more on the offensive side of things, getting more involved in the offense. And Paxten, has gone through some tough times, and playing time in Europe.

So, everybody, all these players need to go through adversity and be resilient. And this is just another step in their development. Olympics- a chance of a lifetime really, where some of the best athletes are a part of this. And the only advice I have for them is just to soak everything about this experience. I look back in my career and different instances where maybe I didn’t maybe soak in everything that is around it and realize the magnitude of the occasion, in terms of like, wow, like, they’re going to be competing the Olympics. So you know, I texted them right before they left and just gave them a nice little message about just make sure you enjoy the emotion. Don’t get stuck on putting too much pressure on yourselves. You’re there for a reason, you belong, and just compete and do your best and have fun. Enjoy this, that’s what it’s all about.

And then for someone like Quinn who’s having a quality season, but didn’t get selected, have you offered any words of encouragement for him, given your experiences and everything?

AB: Yeah, I think it’s just putting your head down and keep working. I mean, look, he’s also a talented player. We all know, I guess maybe there’s offensive skills [that he could improve], but back to what I talked about with Jack, the game of soccer isn’t just one sided, right? You have to have a complete game right? We can all be Messis that can just not defend because he’s so amazing offensively, but when there’s a lot of competition with the national team at that age group in terms of the winger play and all that stuff. So, I’ve talked to him numerous times throughout the season. Because even here, you know, obviously, he’s put in different roles in different positions. So maybe it’s not that level of consistency is hard to for him to find, but I just spoke to him about how he just needs to keep working and doing what is asked for him in certain roles. And as long as he keeps performing and doing well, and creating chances and developing the tactical, defensive side of things. I mean, he’s got a great future as well. The talent is no doubt just there.

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The Union travel to BMO Field to play Toronto FC this Saturday, 7/13 at 7:30 PM. Follow Jillian Almoney on X at @silly__jilly and @totwag for updates and more!