Vermes on Gadi Kinda, Transfers and the New CBA

After Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew SC that mostly featured reserve, Sporting KC II and SKC Academy players, Head Coach and Sporting Director Peter Vermes took a couple minutes to speak with The Blue Testament. While the conversation was short, he gave a couple quick answers to clarify a few points and shed light on a few others.

Gadi Kinda

After Kinda’s loan was announced we wanted to get a little more insight on Kinda’s performance so far since he’s only played 75 minutes that I’ve been able to see. Vermes indicated that “[Kinda’s] adapted really well. He’s got quick feet, he’s very good, he sees the game really well. He’s getting adjusted to the way we play, to the team, to the players on the field.”

I also confirmed, despite reports to the contrary, that Kinda’s deal is in fact a loan and Sporting Kansas City have the option to decline at the end of the year. Of course, Vermes has no reason to disclose if a purchase has already been agreed to, but it would probably feel like a much less risky move if the loan can be declined if things don’t work out for Kinda. Hopefully none of it matters and Kinda is a breakout star.

As for the rumored $3.7 million fee, Vermes declined to discuss it.

I also confirmed with PR, that despite many students in Israel learning English, Kinda doesn’t speak it. So all my questions for Kinda were tabled for another time.

Transfers and the New CBA

SKC currently have three open roster spots. As is often the case when nothing is imminent, Vermes gave his standard answer that they are “always looking to improve” the roster.

It was much of the same with the CBA discussion. So far he doesn’t anticipate any big changes to the team’s roster construction based on what they know of the new CBA and he confirmed he has no info on the Under-22 initiative the league will be rolling out.

Also Discussed

• The performance against Columbus
• The immediate goal by Gyasi Zardes

Below is the full video. Apologies for the audio. I have some new equipment and I’ll be tweaking that before Saturday hopefully.