BREAKING NEWS: 28-Years Old Key Player Sends Strong Message To Austin FC Fans
Intensity and pressure are what Sebastián Driussi yearns for. Born out of his time at River Plate, where winning is not just a desire but an expectation deeply ingrained in the culture, the Austin FC forward embodies an unwavering competitive spirit.
Even after departing Buenos Aires, Driussi finds it challenging to adapt to the kindness of fans elsewhere, who allow him to be more than just a player constantly chasing victories and trophies. He cherishes the tranquility he has found in his new environment, where he can spend quality time with his family without the relentless demand for top performances.
“In Argentina, the pressure is constant throughout the week. The fans are incredibly passionate. I never had moments of peace where I could simply go out and enjoy time with my family,” Driussi explained to MLSsoccer.com. “So, here, I’ve discovered that peace, those quiet moments with my family, allowing me to appreciate life more, which is something I’ve always desired.”
Good pressure
He desired it because he recognized its necessity – and, amusingly, Driussi remarks, he’s just as adept at lounging, often settling onto the couch for a “24-hour” marathon the Sunday following a match. Despite his ability to unwind, he finds it hard to switch off soccer entirely, occasionally irking his wife for growing bored during a show. He’d much prefer catching more MLS action or tuning into an Argentine match.
This passion for the sport, for the challenge, and for constant improvement is what propels Driussi, now donning the armband for Austin FC, as he commits to a contract extension binding him to the club at least through the next season, with an option for 2026. It’s why the beginning of this year has been exasperating for him, sidelined for the first two matches due to a hamstring injury, and why last season’s disappointing 12th-place finish in the Western Conference continues to nag at him.
“I think after a strong 2022, we made a significant error in 2023, assuming we could relax and easily secure a playoff spot,” he reflected. “But this league doesn’t work like that. If you’re not competitive, you won’t make it to the playoffs because every opponent, every game is a tough battle.”
This was evident in the recent goalless draw against Seattle Sounders FC and will be apparent in Saturday’s match at Q2 Stadium against St. Louis CITY SC, where Driussi hopes to make his debut for the 2024 season.
The MLS MVP finalist from 2022, Landon Donovan, is willing to accept criticism for his performance in the 2023 season, where he fell short of the high standards set in the previous year, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists. In contrast, last season, he managed 11 goals and five assists.
Rather than seeking leniency for his dip in form, he welcomes all critiques, especially from his supporters.
“Right now, you miss that because you can feel the good pressure. If you don’t deliver on the weekend, you know what’s coming,” Driussi observed. “In Argentina, if you played poorly, you knew that the journalists and the fervent soccer fans would be there on Monday.
“… Sometimes you miss it, miss people saying, ‘Hey, you’re not performing well!’ For a player, that’s beneficial.”
Captain of vibes
As the team captain, he strives to strike a delicate balance between motivating his teammates and nurturing the camaraderie he experienced upon joining the team in 2021. When he arrived from Zenit Saint Petersburg as a Designated Player, he immediately bonded with fellow Argentine Maxi Urruti and Uruguayan-American Diego Fagúndez, initiating casual video chats called Mate con Vos where they, along with a teddy bear mascot named Tik, would enjoy South American tea and engage with fans. Although Urruti and Fagúndez are no longer with the team, Driussi maintains that the locker room remains cohesive and shares a common understanding of Coach Josh Wolff’s desired playing style.
Reflecting on his time since joining the team, Driussi emphasized the importance of fostering relationships and unity within the group through activities like Mate con Vos and barbecue gatherings. These interactions serve to strengthen bonds and encourage open communication among teammates.
While integrating new players like forward Diego Rubio and winger Jáder Obrian may take time, Driussi is eager to hit the field and aim for a successful season akin to Austin FC’s impressive second-place finish in the Western Conference during the 2022 season.
Competitive fire
At 28 years old, Austin’s No. 10 emphasizes that he consistently feels the same enthusiasm he experienced while playing informal matches in his youth in Buenos Aires. However, it’s his astute game reading that often leads to scoring opportunities.
He relies on guidance from a Spanish-speaking assistant who advises him on positioning and potential spaces to exploit during matches. By observing the game’s dynamics, he aims to identify areas where he can operate freely and cause damage.
Austin FC relies on Driussi to replicate this performance in the upcoming season, tapping into his ability to read the game, find openings, and disrupt opposing defenses. For Driussi, this mindset is fueled by a relentless drive to compete and achieve his objectives.
His determination to continually improve and succeed remains unwavering. He thrives on the intensity of competition, feeling frustrated by losses or mistakes but using them as motivation to elevate his game.
The payoff for Driussi comes when he successfully retains possession, scores goals, and experiences the release of pressure. Seeing the support of Austin FC fans who appreciate his efforts and acknowledge his contributions with praise further validates his dedication and hard work.