Toronto FC Media Conference

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Noble Okello

Media Conference


Toronto FC 2, Philadelphia 2

THE MODERATOR: Thank you for joining, Noble. And congratulations on your first assist for the club.

NOBLE OKELLO: Thank you.

Q. On the weekend, your team had a tie that seemed like a win. Does this tie kind of seem like a loss given the late goal?

NOBLE OKELLO: I mean, I feel like in the game, we were the better team. We controlled most of the possession in the game. Yeah. I think we had an unlucky end, but I think it was still a good performance from us.

Q. Congratulations on the assist. Can you walk us through that play a little bit? What did you see on it? And how does it feel to get your first point in the league?

NOBLE OKELLO: Yeah. I just got a call from Mike to step on the play because there was a guy in front of me. And I just read the pass, and I tried to intercept it, and it worked out. And it landed to Jozy's feet. So I'm happy to get my first assist for our club.

Q. How much confidence are you gaining after every performance like this? I mean, you played three straight. You started three straight games, and your teammates have praised the way you played. Are you gaining confidence with every game out there?

NOBLE OKELLO: Yes. I'm getting confidence. I'm trying to improve every game that I get called by the coach. And, yes, I'm just trying to get better every day. So I'm happy that my teammates are believing in me, and it helps me on the field.

Q. Michael played his -- or appeared in his 250th game for the club tonight. Can you just touch on what it's been like to work with him or at times under him?

NOBLE OKELLO: Yeah. Michael is such a leader for us not only on the field but off the field, especially with us young players. I feel he's helped me grow a lot, especially this year playing a little bit more, but, yeah, just a good leader for me, and I'm happy to keep playing with him now.

Q. Noble, you know, that's two games in a row where Jozy Altidore has scored, and it's two games where you guys got results, perhaps not the ones that you wanted. But can you speak a little bit about how much of a difference it's made having him back on the team? There was a moment late where Jahkeele had a bit of a chance from wide, and we saw a shot of Jozy sort of, you know, applauding him on. What does that do for you young guys to have a guy like that at your backs?

NOBLE OKELLO: Yeah. Jozy is another player that helps us young guys on and off the field. I feel like he's a player that's welcomed each and every one of us from the minute we joined this team. And, yeah, he continues to keep pushing us to succeed. I'm just happy he's in the club helping us every day. So not only is he a legend in the club, but he's also a very good person, so we're thankful for him.

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114174-1-1822 2021-10-28 02:12:00 GMT

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