Célio Pompeu endured a long recovery after suffering his season-ending injury in Dallas last June. At the time, the Brazilian winger was enjoying a breakout season, logging three goals and three assists in 15 starts.
Suddenly, it was over.
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Pompeu watched helplessly from the sidelines as St. Louis CITY SC experienced the many ups and downs that defined the 2024 season. Now, he’s ready to pick up where he left off.
“I felt like when I went down, the coach didn’t have many options,” Pompeu said recently. “Now we have a lot of players and it’s a great feeling to be so competitive. I’m hungry.”
In the time since Pompeu suffered his injury, new head coach Olof Mellberg has arrived in St. Louis and installed his philosophy on top of CITY’s core principles. Although the squad may appear much more defensive-minded this season, explosive wing play will be the key to unlocking offensive production within the setup.
However, to the winger’s point, the fight for playing time is fierce.
Conrad Wallem was brought in on loan from Slavia Prague, Jannes Horn appears to be a more defensive-minded option on the left, and Mykhi Joyner is eager to seize his opportunity as an off-roster Homegrown. The thought of returning to that competitive environment—and ensuring he has a spot—is what kept Pompeu on track as the offseason unfolded
“I went back to Brazil for two weeks,” Pompeu said. “It was hard to take a break because I was like, ’I gotta do something to be back, I have to be back by the beginning [of training camp].’”
Even a player driven to return can’t do it on his own. Pompeu spent a lot of time in St. Louis during the offseason working with the training staff. During Pompeu’s eight-month recovery, it helped to have Tomáš Ostrák rehabbing next to him. Together, Pompeu and Tomáš Ostrák helped each other stay mentally engaged.
“It can be so boring,” Pompeu said. “Then you have someone kind of in the same boat, it helps you navigate it a bit. You talk about your frustrations; it’s just good for mental health.”
Although it was a sacrifice to spend so little time back home in Brazil this offseason, it seems to have paid off for Pompeu, who returned to training ahead of schedule. Pompeu only missed the first week of Mellberg’s inaugural training camp.
“I came back basically one month early.” Pompeu said. “I joined the group and had that first full week practicing with the teams, so that was very good for me to feel integrated in that group.”
Pompeu officially made his return to action last week in San Diego, subbing in for Marcel Hartel late in the second half. It was only a cameo, but as his match fitness returns, Pompeu will surely have more opportunities to impress.
“There are some new expectations as well,” Pompeu said. “It’s good. They bring in some quality and I like quality players to play with. With a new manager, it’s [starting over] for everybody. Everybody has to compete for this spot and we have a lot of competition. It’s a win-win; competition, more players, fighting for a starting spot. This is what makes everyone better.”
