Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC is gearing up for the 2025 Major League Soccer season under the new leadership of Gregg Berhalter, who was appointed as the club's Director of Football and Head Coach in October 2024. With high expectations surrounding his appointment, Berhalter has focused on fostering a welcoming environment for new players joining the team.

One of Berhalter's significant moves during the offseason was signing veteran center back Jack Elliott shortly after the MLS free agency period commenced on December 12, 2024. Elliott brings experience from his eight seasons with the Philadelphia Union, where he contributed to reaching the 2022 MLS Cup Final and securing the 2020 Supporters’ Shield.

“We like technical players, first and foremost,” said Berhalter. “We like guys that are resilient, that like to put in a good physical effort. They need to pass the character test, that's for sure. And we need to see how they fit into the group and how they fit into our game model.”

Elliott expressed enthusiasm about joining Chicago Fire FC and adapting to Berhalter's vision. “I think change can bring out the best in people sometimes," he noted. "Gregg obviously has a clear plan of how he wants to play and sold me on that.”

Elliott quickly assumed a leadership role within the squad, wearing the captain’s armband in a preseason match against Fortaleza EC. He acknowledged the challenges of relocating but highlighted his experience in adapting to new environments as an asset for assisting other newcomers.

“I think moving to a new place is hard for anyone,” Elliott said. “I have the benefit of already being in the USA and being in MLS for so long... I think I've got some experience to help the guys coming from Europe or anyone coming from another team.”

Berhalter praised Elliott's influence on team dynamics, emphasizing that recent additions like center back Sam Rogers have integrated well due to this supportive atmosphere. "They're all acclimating at different times," Berhalter remarked. "And I think most importantly, it's how the group accepts them and interacts with them."

The positive culture within Chicago Fire FC is contributing to improved team cohesion on and off the field.

“I think there's been a lot of good things happening," Elliott commented, noting enhanced connections among teammates as crucial for understanding playing styles and refining technical skills.

Overall, both Elliott and Berhalter seem optimistic about their strategy for building a strong squad ready for upcoming challenges.