MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

One of the more perplexing situations surrounding the New York Red Bulls this year involves Designated Player, Gonzalo Veron.

The former San Lorenzo attacker battled his way back from preseason injury in order to return to selection with the team. However, he has been sparsely used in the months since his return. Since May, Veron has appeared in 12 matches, starting five times, scoring a single goal through a minuscule 403 minutes of playing time. In total, that is less minutes than five starts — and the team is already on their 21st match.

His most recent start was a promising one. Veron played 70 minutes against Portland, creating several of New York’s best chances on the evening. However, in the following two matches, he was used as a sub, earning 26 minutes against Orlando and 10 minutes against a 10-man Philadelphia Union.

Head coach Jesse Marsch addressed the situation with reporters on Thursday, explaining that Veron’s minutes are dependent on the tactical match-up for the week. He went on to add, “The DP tag doesn’t mean anything. He’s a player on this team. And just like everyone else, we want him to understand how to develop and contribute and understand how to be who we are.

“Today, he was fantastic in training,” Marsch continued. “He shows signs that things are coming together. The hope is that he can eventually get to the point where he can take it and run with it. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but that doesn’t mean we are giving up on him. We still have a lot of faith that this will come around in due time.

“Again, it’s not about being a DP or not. It’s about being a member of this team.”

But is that message reaching Veron?

In an exclusive interview with EoS, the Argentine attacker discusses his lack of playing time, his place within the club, his relationship with Marsch and his potential options for the future.

This is what he had to say after Wednesday’s training:

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