Rafael Santos Reveals What It's Like to Play a Classic Against Messi and Suárez
The MLS isn't what it used to be. The league attracts new attention, thanks to its evolution, which has also been greatly influenced by foreign players. As a result, the games have become more competitive, appealing to viewers and certainly to those on the field. Brazilian Rafael Santos arrived at Orlando City in 2023.
The left-back has witnessed the league's changes despite his short time in American soil. In an exclusive interview with MLS Multiplex, the player revealed that the arrivals of legends Lionel Messi and Suárez contributed to this evolution, besides giving them extra motivation to face opponents.
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"It's been great having them in the league; it's really boosting football here. Many players want to come here because of the sport's growth. As for motivation, we always have to be motivated, regardless of who we're up against. Of course, when we face Inter Miami, with their big stars, it's an extra motivation."
- Rafael Santos
Rafael Santos is a regular starter for Orlando City. He has played 55 games, with four assists and one goal. The player helps the Lions build plays on the left side, as well as with interceptions. We can already say that the Brazilian is well adapted. According to the wearer of the number 3 shirt, the other clubs have taken advantage of the league's growth. Thus, even in his second season, he has noticed positive changes, such as tougher matches.
"The competitiveness has changed a lot. Teams are much stronger in the league, and the game strategies are making matches increasingly challenging."
- Rafael Santos
Orlando City isn't experiencing the best moment of the season. The team, which went five games without a win, is out of the qualifying zone, which leads to the MLS final series. One of the complications for being in this situation is defense. The Lions conceded more goals than they scored: 31 against 23. It's a high average, with 1.6 goals conceded per game, while only scoring 1.2.
To add to the complication, Orlando City lost players to continental competitions, Cartagena and Gallese for the 2024 Copa America, while Brekalo for the 2024 Euro. Rafael Santos recognizes the situation of the purple team but emphasized that they have players to cover these absences. He believes they can "turn this situation around" with the squad they have and aims to play well to positively contribute to the team, which aims to climb the standings to advance in the MLS.
"We have to keep working and seeking improvement throughout the season. We know we have a chance to qualify for the playoffs and we will fight for it. I believe there's not much we need to change, but we need to be more effective in matches and achieve positive results to gain confidence. Personally, I will continue to try to help my teammates and always give my best to achieve our goals in the championship."
- Rafael Santos
Check out the full interview with Rafael Santos from Orlando City
Rafael, first of all, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us! Let's start by talking about something that affects all teams: the MLS break during FIFA dates. This interruption in the schedule can be a double-edged sword, right? In terms of preparation and reorganization, was there any significant strategic adjustment that Oscar Pareja implemented during this period to improve Orlando City's performance?
The FIFA break can make things difficult because it takes away some of the game rhythm. But we also noticed that we needed this break because we needed to review what we need to improve, what is missing to win. So, we had this time to work, to perfect our training sessions, to put into practice in the games and improve more and more.
Now, with football legends like Messi and Suárez joining Inter Miami, it seems that MLS is in a new era, right? How do you think this injection of stars influences the league as a whole? And speaking of motivation, how does it affect the spirit of Orlando City players when facing Inter Miami with these big names on the field?
It's been great having them in the league; it's really boosting football here. Many players want to come here because of the sport's growth. As for motivation, we always have to be motivated, regardless of who we're up against. Of course, when we face Inter Miami, with their big stars, it's an extra motivation. But we have to be motivated always to show our best in every game, regardless of who is on the other side.
Luiz Muzzi, Orlando City's football director, recently mentioned the evolution of MLS since its creation. For those on the field, how do you perceive this transformation? What are the most significant changes you have seen in the league and the team since you started playing here?
I'm going into my second year here, but what I've seen is that competitiveness has changed a lot. Teams are much stronger in the league, and the game strategies are making matches increasingly challenging. But it's hard for me to say, because of the short time I've been here, but what I see most is that competitiveness, the way teams play, which is evolving a lot.
As a Brazilian player, you have a unique perspective on football. Luiz Muzzi made an interesting comparison between the passion that drives football in South America and the professionalism that characterizes MLS. How do you see this comparison? Do you feel this difference in the environment and in how football is experienced and managed here compared to Brazil?
We are adapted in a different way to football in South America. I'm used to Brazilian football, so we notice the difference. We see the Brazilian championship, which is more competitive. Not that it isn't here, but we see a bit more competition even. But, as I said before, one thing that is growing here is competitiveness. But I managed to adapt well, and I think that's how it has to be, regardless of where you are.
Orlando City is going through a tough phase this season. Few points have been earned compared to the number of games played. In your opinion, what are the main factors that contributed to this situation? And more importantly, what measures is the team taking to overcome these challenges and return to competing for a playoff spot?
We know the quality of our team, the potential our squad has. I believe last year we had a great campaign, but this year, so far, things aren't happening the way we would like. But we know we can turn this situation around because of our players' quality. We have to keep working and seeking improvement throughout the season. We know we have a chance to qualify for the playoffs and we will fight for it.
With Cartagena and Gallese being called up for the Copa America, the team faces the challenge of recovering in the table without two players who are too important to the team. Not to mention Brekalo's absence, who was also called up, but to play in the Euro. These absences really affect defense and playmaking. Certainly, it changes the team's dynamics. Can you tell us how these absences affect Orlando City's playing style and what solutions are being implemented? How are you adjusting to fill these gaps?
We know we have three players who help us a lot, who are defending their national teams. But the players who are here to replace them also have quality, they know the work they have to do. We work a lot in our day-to-day training, so everyone knows what we have to do when it comes to the game. I believe there's not much we need to change, but we need to be more effective in matches and achieve positive results to gain confidence.
Thinking about your personal expectations for the rest of the season, how are you preparing to contribute even more to the recovery? Is there any specific goal you are pursuing?
My expectation here is to continue playing great games, helping the team achieve this qualification, where I believe we deserve to be. Sometimes things don't happen the way we would like, but we know our day-to-day work and we are always trying to seek improvement. Personally, I will continue trying to help my teammates and always give my best to achieve our goals in the championship.
Returning to the subject of MLS evolution, you have played in other leagues and have a good basis for comparison. What is the biggest difference you notice between MLS and other leagues you have played in? Is there any aspect of MLS that you think stands out uniquely?
They are not competitions with very big differences. The Brazilian championship is a bit more competitive, but as I said before, this aspect is growing a lot in MLS. So, I think there's no way to highlight a unique way, neither here nor in Brazil, because football is played, each match is a different thing that we have to face.
To conclude, I would like to thank you again for the opportunity to interview you and would like you to share a bit of your experience in classics. Playing a classic for Orlando City must be very different from the classics you played in Brazil. What are the main differences you noticed in terms of atmosphere, pressure, and level of competition?
With the growth of MLS, we have a different preparation for classics, so there's that bit of extra excitement because we want to write our name in history in games like these. A Brazilian classic is also intense, where a lot is involved, both on and off the field, where fans get very involved. So, there's quite a difference in terms of preparation. But on the field, it ends up being a classic, where we know we have to come a bit stronger in some plays, show that it's a real classic.
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