COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Marcelo Sarvas likely knows just how Steven Gerrard feels.
Not only did Sarvas man the midfield spot with the LA Galaxy that has been set aside for the newly arrived English legend, but the new Colorado Rapids general also knows what it’s like to join a new team with the pressure that comes with being a marquee signing.
“It’s LA. That’s how they are,” Sarvas told MLSsoccer.com when asked about Gerrard joining his old team. “They’re always looking for big names, and that’s the way the club is run. It’s a big signing for them, and I wish him good luck.”
While he can relate to Gerrard’s challenge, the Brazilian is more concerned with the task of helping his current club gain relevancy in the Western Conference playoff race. Sarvas’ signing has done little to help a team that has been mired at the bottom of the Western Conference all season, currently holding the league’s second lowest points per game average with 18 from 18 games after their 2-1 victory over first-place Vancouver Whitecaps on the Fourth of July.
“I’m not disappointed. Everything can come together,” Sarvas said of Colorado’s current standing. “If we get our points at home, we can fight for the playoffs. We have to feel the moment. We are in a good moment, and everyone hopes to give sequence to what happened last week.
“I had been with the Galaxy three years, and each of those three years we were in the last position during the season. At the end of the year, we were in the playoffs playing for a spot in the final. It can happen with this team also.”
Sarvas has had his fair share of trials and tribulations this season, the biggest being a weeks-long recovery from knee surgery earlier in the season. His acclimation period continues as the Rapids move toward the attack-minded 4-3-3 formation that they displayed against Vancouver.
“We are playing a little bit different. We aren’t playing the normal 4-4-2,” he said. “I’m one of the guys in charge to press up front in the attack. I receive the ball a little bit differently, but I think it’s good. It worked. We had a good game against a good team in Vancouver.”
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Sarvas has been tasked with a crucial role, head coach Pablo Mastroeni said.
“I think that with playing with three or more strikers up front, you’ve got to have engine room people in the middle of the field,” Mastroeni said. “I think Marcelo does a good job of starting the pressure on defense and being able to find little positions on offense. He’s a player that’s moving into a new role but taking it on full steam.”
The change is one of several tactical adjustments for Colorado, who have been searching for ways to achieve positive results. They’re hoping they can build on their third win of the season.
“Normally you believe you can win, but coming off of a victory it’s more real,” Sarvas said. “It’s incredible how the psychological things work. Everyone is much more confident now. You can see it at training.”
They’ll bring that confidence into their next game at home Saturday against Rocky Mountain rival Real Salt Lake (9 pm ET; MLS LIVE).
“We just need to do our job. Playing again at home we just have to look for goals and not give them chances. We have a good chance to win again on Saturday.”
