Montreal have recently gone through a complete rebranding as they prepare for a new season in the MLS. In this article, we’ll have Theirry Henry’s thoughts on the new name and Montreal’s 2021 MLS expectations after finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference last year. They’ll be hoping to at least make the playoffs this year, but how can they accomplish that?
Odds are yet to be formally released for the new season, but Thierry Henry’s side are expected to be one of the outsiders for MLS Cup glory. The better option for bettors may be to back Montreal to make the playoffs at Canadian sports betting sites. Leading sportsbooks such as bet365 and William Hill offer competitive odds on the MLS. With new signings expected before the season starts, Henry will want to form a team that can compete at the very top.
Impact to Club de Foot
New year, new name. Montreal Impact have changed their name to Club de Foot Montreal. It’s a move that owner Joey Saputo is excited about:
“I love the Impact. This is a club and a passion project that I started along with only three full-time employees 28 years ago. And it’s hard to let go of things you love,” he said in Montreal’s unveiling via live stream.
“But here’s the reality. To make an impact, we need to retire the Impact. The Montreal Impact will always be that local club that made global strides, and all that, we can be proud of. In fact, that is what this vision is all about. Building a collective.”
Thierry Henry has compared Montreal’s new rebrand to his former club Arsenal and is looking forward to his side becoming one to follow for European fans:
“I was at Arsenal when we changed the crest and a lot of people were upset,” Henry said. “When that happened, fans were going crazy, and it can take a minute for everyone to understand what is happening.Some people were upset because they had tattoos of the old badge. Now, nobody talks about the crest anymore. It’s just normal.”
“It’s important to understand, Arsenal was called ‘Woolwich Arsenal’ before. The club moved, evolved, changed their logo. That doesn’t mean they’re going to win the title – it’s got nothing to do with [that].”
New signings for a new era
It remains to be seen just who the winners were after the MLS SuperDraft 2021 at the end of January. But Montreal picked once in the third round, landing Giuseppe Barone. He’s not played a college season since 2018 as he missed a lot of the 2019 season through injury.
But if Barone can show the skill and ability from a couple of years ago, it will be a great pick so late in the draft. Kamal Miller and Mason Toye were also two astute signings as they both have more MLS experience than any other players available at either slot. Overall, it was a very good SuperDraft for Montreal.
Argentine forward Maxi Urruti was traded to Houston Dynamo with centre-back Kiki Struna heading the other way. It’s a good move as Henry looks to tighten things up at the back. Montreal ranked 23rd in goals conceded last season, averaging 1.87 a game.
One signing that is a complete wildcard is Nigerian youth international Sunusi Ibrahim. Signed from 36 Lion FC, Ibrahim is under contract for two years, with the option for a further season until 2024. He’s only 18 but has already caught the eye of many with Nigeria’s Under 23s. If the fast and powerful striker can hit the ground running in the MLS, he could become an instant hit with the fans.
With the 2021 season due to begin in late spring, there’s still plenty of time for Thierry Henry to get his side gelling so that they can challenge. Can he lead them to glory soon? He certainly has the credentials to make it happen.
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Montreal Impact new name and logo – Club de Foot Montreal
