Poltl: I'm ready to play

Timbers midfielder Tom Poltl has a reputation for being a hard-nosed, heart-on-the-sleeve player. And, as the fiery player sat down with Timbers Insider, he told us he’s ready to go out onto the pitch and do the job anytime, anywhere.




TIMBERS INSIDER:
What are your thoughts on the season so far, and do you feel the team is coming together?




TOM POLTL:
This team is starting to get to know each other a bit more and gel together on the field and off the field. The first couple of games, we were getting to know each other, and these last few games when we’ve put in two good results against Seattle, and put together a good offensive game in the last one. I think everyone’s starting to know what the other can do and what they’re capable of.




TI:
You’re known as being a fiery player, but that’s something Timbers head coach and general manager Chris Agnello said he likes in players. Do you feel you fit in well with his plans?




TP:
Yeah, I think we have a good relationship. I know what he expects out of players and sometimes, I get a little too wound up, but, all in all, we’re both here for the same thing, and that’s to win a championship. We’re on the same page, so we’re good to go.




TI:
You’ve started to have some regular appearances in games, albeit off the bench, do you see yourself starting to break back into the team?




TP:
Yeah, but nothing’s really going wrong right now; people are playing well. Lee’s pretty much solidified his spot in the defensive role in midfield so until coach feels like we need to make a change, I’ll just have to bide my time and be there when he calls me.




TI:
Does that sort of role fit you?




TP:
Yeah, you know, I’m willing to play anywhere as long as I’m on the field, and I’m willing to play at any time. It can be mentally tough to sit the bench, but you just gotta be ready at any time.




TI:
Do you feel comfortable about how things have gone so far from your own personal standpoint?




TP:
Yeah, I feel really comfortable with the way things are going right now, but if coach calls on me to do a little bit more, I’ll be ready. I’ll just wait on the sidelines ‘til I get my chance.