Henrik Rydstrom Joins Columbus Crew After Visa Delays

The Columbus Crew’s new head coach, Henrik Rydstrom, has officially joined the team after facing significant delays due to work visa issues. Rydstrom was hired on New Year’s Eve to succeed Wilfried Nancy, but his arrival in Columbus was postponed. Now, nearly two weeks into the preseason, Rydstrom has arrived in Florida and has conducted his first training session with the players.

The preseason for the Crew commenced on January 10, 2024, without Rydstrom at the helm. His absence was felt as the team began preparations for the upcoming season. During a recent Zoom introductory press conference, Rydstrom expressed his frustration over the delays but commended the club’s leadership for their unwavering support.

“You get frustrated when things take time, but I also trusted everybody in the organization who did an amazing job,” Rydstrom remarked. He emphasized that the time away allowed him to prepare thoroughly, saying he was able to communicate effectively with players and staff prior to his arrival.

Crew defender Malte Amundsen spoke positively about the team’s progress during Rydstrom’s absence. He noted the contributions of interim leaders, stating, “We have Laurent here and some of the academy coaches to guide us. Most of all, it was us players finding each other, bringing back good energy, and getting the first layer of rust off. Now we’re ready to work hard with the coach.”

Rydstrom’s coaching debut is scheduled for February 21, 2024, when the Crew opens their season on the road against the Portland Timbers. His first official home match in Columbus will take place on March 7, 2024, when the Crew faces the Chicago Fire.

As the team gears up for the new season, fans and players alike are eager to see how Rydstrom’s leadership will shape the Crew’s approach on the field. With a solid preseason underway, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.