Wilfried Nancy was full of praise for Columbus Crew veteran forward Christian Ramirez following his extra time goal against Orlando City in MLS Cup playoffs.
The 32-year-old was starting just about every game for Columbus in 2023 up until early August, when Nancy decided to start bringing Ramirez in off the bench in games. Despite the back-seat role he saw toward the end of the regular season, Ramirez still notched a respectable eight goals and four assists in 30 appearances (19 starts) and patiently waited for his chance to make an impact in the postseason for his team.
His number was called in extra time in the Eastern Conference semifinals on the road against Orlando, as he scored the first goal of the game in the 93rd minute by taking the slightest of touches on the ball from a cross from Aidan Morris that slowly rolled into the back of the net.
Cucho Hernandez added a second in the 118th minute, but Ramirez's super sup act put the Crew in the driver's seat to reach the conference finals.
"I'm going to be honest with you, the the the the season that we had in term of with all the forwards that we have and the goal that we scored is because Christian was involved in that," Nancy said to the media on Wednesday.
"Because first of all, yes he's 32 years old but he he he has grown a lot ... But this is more about now as a player you know with a lot of humility. So, that's why for me, yes it was not easy to tell him 'hey I know that he's been a few games that you haven't played, but again I trust you and I know that you're going to be able to help us at any moment 95 minutes or 5 minutes."
Nancy went on to explain that Ramirez wasn't the happiest with having to come off the bench, but he respected the boss' decision and would continue to be ready to be called upon.
"And he right away he told me that 'yes I'm not happy with that,' It's normal because he's your competitor. But at the end of the day, he told me that he's going to be ready."
The former CF Montreal head coach explained that these things happen in sports where coaches have to make tough decisions that not everyone is always on board with.
"And for me this is a clear example about to put the the his own, ego his ego on the side for the rest of the team," he said. "This is a this is an example, so that's why I'm I'm really, really happy with with Christian and sometimes it was not fair for him but again this is the reality of my job."
Columbus return to action on December 2 to renew their 'Hell is Real' rivalry with in-state foes FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium with a trip to MLS Cup final on the line.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Wilfried Nancy hails Christian Ramirez's professionalism through 2023 season.
