After two training sessions with his new club, Orlando City’s fifth ever Designated Player Yoshi Yotún is acclimating to his new team, coaches and the hot Florida summers.
“It’s totally different,” Yotún said after training Wednesday, “Sweden is nine months of cold and now I’m struggling a little bit here in Florida here with the heat. But I’m very happy to be here with the club. I’m just trying to adapt right now as quick as I can to be able to contribute on the field.”
The Peruvian midfielder, who has played all over the midfield and in defense throughout his career, is excited to help his club in any way he can. However, he feels the most comfortable on the field in the attack.
“I’m an attacking midfielder,” Yotún said, “The head coach knows it and he want’s me there. I can play from the outside, I can play from the inside. But I’m always willing to help, wherever the coaching staff needs me.”
Being labeled as a Designated Player comes with a lot of pressure, with only three DP slots available per MLS team. For Yotún, it is a challenge with added pressure that he not only embraces, but has been around for most of his career.
“The pressure is always there, from the youngest player to the most experienced. Throughout my career, i’ve been managing this pressure with the national team, with professional clubs, and for me it’s just I have to manage it and perform on the field.”
Yotun will look to take the field for the first time with his new club on Saturday, as Orlando travel to New York to take on the Red Bulls.
