Mateusz Klich could hardly contain his excitement as he rushed onto the pitch for Tuesday’s training session. After dealing with pneumonia and a quad injury, the last thing the veteran midfielder wanted was another day of isolated rehab.
“I couldn’t wait,” Klich admitted. “I just couldn’t wait anymore and couldn’t be inside. I want to go out there and train because it’s killing me.”
With three straight home games on the horizon, Klich’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Atlanta United, a squad looking to build momentum after a dramatic 2-2 draw at FC Cincinnati. Training sessions have been sharp, with players working on quick passing rondos, through-ball timing, finishing drills, and small-sided scrimmages to fine-tune their chemistry.
The Return of Klich
Klich has seen limited action so far this season—starting Atlanta United’s home opener and making a brief 14-minute cameo against New York Red Bulls before injuries sidelined him.
The Polish playmaker wasn’t sure if he was fit enough to play in Cincinnati, but when called upon in the final 10 minutes, he stepped in without hesitation.
“I’m feeling better after training,” Klich said. “I feel good today and hopefully get fitter for the games. I can’t wait to actually play instead of just watching.”
That hunger to compete makes sense—over the past two seasons with D.C. United, Klich rarely missed a match, logging an impressive 63 regular-season appearances. This year, he’s already missed as many games as he did in all of 2024. Now, the next step is building up to playing a full 90 minutes.
Midfield Madness: Atlanta’s Deepest Position?
Atlanta United’s defensive midfield has been a revolving door this season, yet the squad has remained solid. Klich is one of five midfielders—along with Bartosz Slisz, Jay Fortune, Tristan Muyumba, and Will Reilly—to start as a No. 6 in 2025.
Rather than being a weakness, this rotation has proven to be a strength. Atlanta ranks sixth in MLS in ball recoveries (237) and third in interceptions (55), stats that highlight the midfield’s effectiveness in winning back possession and disrupting opponents.
“That’s the most important thing,” Klich said. “The best teams in the world have two players for every position. You compete, you have injuries, and you put another player in, and you don’t see the difference. We need everyone.”
Indeed, the chemistry between midfielders, defenders, and the attacking unit is crucial as Atlanta United continues refining its identity in possession.
A Chance to Gain Momentum at Home
With three straight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, now is the perfect time for Atlanta United to turn solid performances into consistent results.
The 5-Stripes showed grit in Cincinnati, battling back after conceding two quick goals. Saba Lobjanidze’s late cross led to an 88th-minute own goal, capping off a standout performance that earned him a spot on MLS Team of the Matchday’s bench.
On Tuesday, Saba carried that momentum into training, scoring a stunning goal in finishing drills and delivering precise crosses just as he did in Cincinnati, where his assist set up Emmanuel Latte Lath’s goal.
Speaking of that assist—Cayman Togashi played a key role in its buildup. The Japanese midfielder’s clever throw-in started the sequence, marking his first goal contribution for Atlanta United.
Togashi, who slotted into the No. 10 role after Muyumba’s injury, spoke about his approach to the game.
“I’m used to playing the No. 10 role,” Togashi said through a translator. “But I’m not the type to score goals. I’m more of a mobility-type player, finding gaps in between the defenders’ line. That’s what I was thinking when I made that play.”
With Muyumba sidelined, Togashi could see more minutes during this upcoming homestand.
“We won the home opener but didn’t get the results we wanted after that,” Togashi said. “I think these three games are crucial for us to build momentum and get positive results.”
Next Up for Atlanta United:
🆚 New York City FC
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
🕢 Saturday, March 29 | 7:30 p.m. ET
With Klich working his way back, Saba in top form, and young talents like Togashi stepping up, Atlanta United is gearing up for a pivotal stretch at home. Buckle up, 5-Stripes fans—it’s about to get interesting. 🔥⚽
