Armband or not, Farrell ready to lead as 2019 season approaches

FOXBOROUGH — Fairly or unfairly, Revolution right back Andrew Farrell has taken his share of criticism over the first six years of his Major League Soccer career. Whether it be about a bad pass (see also: Montreal on the road last year) an own goal (see also: Columbus on the road last year) or maybe being a touch too slow on occasion, Farrell has weathered it all and has shown the love for the Crayon Crest.

But even with those early-season troubles last year, Farrell went through a metamorphosis as the season evolved. After center back Claude Dielna fell out of favor and lost the captain’s armband, manager Brad Farrell turned to Farrell, the elder statesman of the defense.

And from a certain perspective -- last season's swoon notwithstanding -- a lot of the things which Farrell found himself criticized for in the past turned in his favor. His touches on the ball are seemingly taken with more care. His reactions are half a second faster than in the past. And of course, the two goals he scored last season.

In all, he's looked more grounded as a footballer than he had in his first five-plus years as a member of the Revolution.

“Every game is different, and getting the armband is huge respect — it’s an honor,” Farrell said outside of the Revolution locker room prior to the club's trip to Marbella, Spain. “When you get the armband, it elevates you, especially a player like me. I never thought I’d be the captain for any team. It makes you more focused. You want to be clean and sharp every touch. But getting the armband makes you more aware of what you’re doing.

“Going forward, I keep on working on my game. Every year, I’m trying to get better. Whether I’m the captain or not, or whether I’m called upon to be the captain a couple of games or whatnot, I’m going to keep working hard, no matter what.”

Farrell noted, in self-assessment, getting the armband truly lifted his game.

“To be honest, when I first got it, I was like, '(Expletive), this is crazy,’” he said with a chuckle. “But I was more aware of the things I had to do on the field, and like you said, be more composed and have more of an influence on the game.

“Sometimes it’s better if you’re not as influential maybe; sometimes you have to be less and do less and be more defensive than attacking.”

Whether or not he gets the armband again as the 2019 season evolves, Farrell noted it doesn’t matter, given the leaders in the changing room.

“I’m sure I’d honor (the captaincy),” he said, “but there are players here who are really good, and really good leaders. If I have the armband or not, I’m going to try and lead as much as possible if I’m on the field.”

While positions in the starting XI and match day squad are always dependent on what a player does in training, Farrell will be the elder statesman when it comes to service in MLS and with the Revolution as it is. Even with club newcomer Edgar Castillo, who is 32 and has plenty of experience in a defense after spending a majority of his time in Liga MX.

“(Castillo)’s had a great career and he’s a great player. Wwe saw what he can do with Colorado, the stuff he can do, attacking-wise,” Farrell said of the newcomer. “We’ll see how things go in preseason. We have players who can play different positions; it’s going to be competitive.”

He also noted that while the Revs’ goals allowed in 2018 (55) was lower than 2017 (61) it definitely needs improving, which all comes down to mentality.

“We have to be better as a group; as a team, we want to allow less goals than that. It has to be better to be successful,” he said. “The old faces and the guys who have been here, having a year under (Friedel), we know what to expect. The new guys, we have to let them know.”

And Farrell believes he is ready for the challenges of 2019: the University of Louisville product was the only Revolution player to post a little bit of his offseason workouts on Twitter.

“I have a really good relationship with the strength and conditioning head at U of L; he does all of the teams, except football and basketball,” he said. “We did hot yoga together — I did a little hot yoga. It helps a little bit. He’s always looking out for me, is super generous and let’s me work out there.

“I did all of my offseason workouts there, the plan they give us, and sometimes jump in and train with the men’s and women’s soccer teams, doing some double sessions and then the gym.”

If the 2019 Revs can get the armband-wearing Farrell, things will look up on the soccer side of Patriot Place.