New Columbus Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter will spend the first part of preseason training taking stock of the playing squad he inherited.
The 40-year old former Crystal Palace, Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich defender took the reins of the Ohio outfit in November, following the September departure of Robert Warzycha, so has not yet controlled the roster in a competitive environment.
With preseason training for the 2014 MLS campaign kicking off last week, Berhalter says he will be closely monitoring the form of his current crop to really get a grasp of who is capable of what.
"It's exciting, the field is where it all happens," Berhalter said at Friday's first session.
"It's been a lot of planning, a lot of work behind the scenes, but it's good to finally get going. Being on the field, working with the guys in training and seeing the results on the field, I've missed it. It's a great feeling, when the guys can execute the vision you have in mind."
He added: "It's an evaluation period, these first five weeks.
"Obviously, I've seen guys on video. Some of the guys I've worked with before, but it will be good to work up close and really see the skill level."
