SARASOTA, Fla. – Three weeks into preseason preparations, head coach Marko Mitrović is feeling confident about the direction of his New England Revolution squad. With preseason camp at its midpoint, New England has spent the opening stretch laying down a new foundation following a period of transition.

From the moment he arrived, Mitrović has made it clear that establishing a high standard and building a strong culture were among his top priorities. Judging by the team’s early performances on the pitch, and the energy inside the locker room, those values have already begun to take root.

“I think we are moving things forward both on and off the field. We’re understanding what kind of environment we want to create. I can see a very, very good connection with the players and, in general, the staff off the field, and then having a commitment to understand what we want to achieve on the field. So, I’m really pleased with that commitment that everyone has here so far in the last three weeks,” said Mitrović.

While there is still plenty of progress to be made as the team adapts to a new style of play and integrates new additions to the roster, the players own the same positive outlook as Mitrović.

“It’s amazing, honestly. We’re coming from a difficult moment, and I think this is what we needed, a leader that tries to make a way for everyone to succeed,” said midfielder and captain Carles Gil, who just extended his contract through June 2028. “On the pitch, many new things in attacking, defending, but we’re learning. Off the pitch, we try to be a family since the first day. I think we’re doing that, and everyone is very excited.”

For Mitrović, it’s leaders like Gil who are exemplary of the culture he wants to foster in New England.

“There is no ego in this group. Starting with the guys that are veterans here and probably on paper someone that should be treated differently. But they are just very humble and very grounded players, and just act, practice, and behave like everyone else. I think every other player appreciates that, and they have really nice connections between them. I would say it’s a very humble and hard-working group of players,” Mitrović explained. “Carles is one of those that I just spoke about. He’s our captain, and Carles is definitely one of the most talented players in the league. But the way that he approaches every training session, and everything actually, like our meetings, our meals, and his lifestyle, I think he’s a good example for younger guys to see what you have to do to get so far in your career.”

Through their preseason matches, the Revs have gone 1-1-1 and scored nine goals in three games. While preseason results are typically less about the scoreboard and more about sharpening fitness, refining style of play, and building chemistry, both players and coaches have expressed genuine optimism about the group’s early form.

“I’m happy with the way we are progressing. Week after week, we’re adding certain pieces in training sessions and, as we play one game per week, that kind of mirrors where we are in the process and the dynamic of the group,” said Mitrović.  “We evaluate week after week how many things we can add or if we are advancing in certain things more than expected. So far, we’re in a good spot. I would say, preseason and friendly games are very different than official games. I would like to see once the season starts how we’re going to act in that moment and implement all those things. But, I’m very positive about those three weeks in terms of the team’s progress.”

Midfielder Matt Polster echoed his coach’s enthusiasm.

“I think with Marko [Mitrović], he has a clear plan in place. When you don't execute the way he sees that it should be done, he will be on it immediately, and he'll make sure that it’s fixed and it's corrected,” Polster explained.  “There's a specific style, and I think we've implemented what the coaching staff has asked quite well in the first two or three games that we've played. I think the biggest thing is that there's a really good plan in place, and if we do it properly, we will create a lot of goal-scoring opportunities.”

With less than three weeks until the first whistle of the 2026 regular season, New England continue the grind at camp in Florida. One final test awaits down south as they prepare to face CF Montréal this Saturday, February 7, before returning to Foxborough next Wednesday. Their preseason slate will then wrap up with a matchup against USL Championship side Hartford Athletic on February 14, before the season-opening trip to Nashville SC on February 21.

As Mitrović put it, early motivation is easy – sustaining it is what makes a season. With the clock ticking toward kickoff, this Revolution roster looks more prepared and eager with each passing day.