Kleberson wants to make championship impact with Union

Share

CHESTER, Pa. -- Days after being introduced to his new team, new city and league, Brazilian midfielder Jose Kleberson made his first public Union debut on Wednesday night at na’Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse in Horsham, Pa.

Even though Union rookie Leo Fernandes had to translate the Brazilian’s words, Kleberson made his expectations clear.

“Not only am I going to bring my experience, but I will bring that Brazilian football to help the Philadelphia Union,” said Kleberson, who was loaned by Brazilian club Bahia for Freddy Adu. “I want to be very successful with my teammates and I want to win an MLS Cup and make the Philadelphia Union into champions.”

Although the 33-year-old has been with the Union for only a handful of training sessions, Union coach John Hackworth was almost giddy with excitement over his new midfielder.

“We’ve had him in training and it’s been good to have him,” said the coach, whose club is 2-2-0 this season. “His quality is evident the minute he steps on the field. He is still in the process of adapting to our team, coaching style, teammates and cold weather in Philadelphia. I don’t think that will change too fast. So far, so good.

“It’s great to have him. I'm really excited to have the kind of quality he has and experience and a player, a man who has won so many trophies in his career, the value he brings is immeasurable.”

Similar to how Adu was banished from the Union for his expensive contract and limited production, Kleberson was pushed out of Brazil. But that doesn’t mean the former Manchester United player is soured by the move.

“I’ve heard a lot about MLS through the years ever since [David] Beckham arrived,” said Kleberson, who was a major player in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup run. “I’m very interested in the league. I’ve always wanted to play here. The soccer is growing a lot and it’s changing a lot, and that’s what interested me the most. With my career and what I have done over the years, it is a good thing to come here. When Philadelphia first contacted me, I was very happy and I had only one thing on my mind, to come over here.”

The Union front office was also thrilled to not only have a good designated player -- but one that isn’t playing toward opportunity elsewhere in the world.

“I can tell you this man wants to be here,” Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz said. “And it’s really gratifying to me to see an international player that respects Major League Soccer, that respects the way we play and has a high regard for the league. So I’m really delighted to welcome Jose.”

With a struggling midfield, Hackworth is eager to get Kleberson’s talents on the field. Bad enough, that despite Kleberson just joining the team, Hackworth hasn’t ruled him out for Saturday’s road match against Columbus Crew.

“He’s a guy we’re talking about a lot right now,” Hackworth said. “He has to be the right choice to give us the best chance to be successful in Columbus. The following point is that we feel like our midfield needs to do a better job with the ball and needs to be better in possession. I don’t think that’s a secret at all. He is certainly a guy who has a really good tactical sense and sense of where he can find the ball, his touches are exceptional. If we feel he’s the best choice for us, he’s available for selection on Saturday.”

Contact Us