Why Chicago Fire officials and fans see things differently

Talking with Chicago Fire officials is nothing like hearing from Chicago Fire fans.

To interview first-year general manager Nelson Rodriguez and first-year coach Veljko Paunovic is to be filled with optimism, and Monday's first day of preseason training was no different. Positive vibes abound. The Chicago Fire is on an upward trajectory.

It makes sense. Rodriguez and Paunovic are confident, energetic, successful men who believe they will be successful here too.

To read emails and social media posts from fans or talk with them face-to-face is to be filled with doubt and skepticism for the team's future, especially but not exclusively the upcoming season.

It makes sense. The last six Fire seasons have seen mediocrity alternate with outright soccer malpractice. The Fire has played just one playoff game since going to the conference championship game in 2009. Last season the Fire was the worst team in MLS, 20th out of 20.

It has been tough to suffer through for the fans. Yes, for media too.

At times you wonder if one side understands the other's perspective.

It was the same way the last two seasons under departed coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop. He would ask for patience, arguing he and his players hadn't been around long. Longtime fans remembered the pre-Yallop years with a clarity he could never comprehend and countered they had no more patience to give. Then they watched their club further deteriorate.

Rodriguez and Paunovic want to surround themselves with players and staffers as positive and energetic as they are. They know rebuilding a last-place team takes time, and they want players who will persevere if the season takes a downward turn.

Many fans see another losing season as inevitable and dread the thought.

They have reason to doubt. Rodriguez is still building the roster and seems in no hurry to complete the task.

"We will not conform to standards and status quo. If we believe we're better served with a number that's less than that, then we'll go with a number that's less than that," he said Monday when asked when the roster will reach the league max of 28 players.

Fans look at the 19 signed players on the roster and see youth and inexperience prevail. Seven players have never played a professional game, another has never played a first-division game and yet another is still 18 years old and played just six minutes for the Fire in his rookie season. Some of those players could be loaned to USL side St. Louis FC to get seasoning at a lower level or be cut altogether.

"It's a process," Paunovic said. "I can't give you a timeline. We want to be ready from the very first start. We want to play with heart, to play with character, always wanting to win. If we can prove that on the field, I know that the supporters, the fans, will be very happy with that. And I'm sure that on March 6 we'll be ready to do that."

Rodriguez and Paunovic talk often about values and attitude often, and rarely about talent and tactics. Everyone wants to cheer for the good guys, but what about the soccer?

Paunovic and Rodriguez ask for blind faith. Fans have been there, done that.

Rodriguez says he has a three- to five-year plan for the club. Fans say see you in 2018.

To listen to Rodriguez, you get the feeling he's starting to get the message.

"Our process is deliberate, and we know that can be frustrating, as I've said in the past, but we feel pretty good about where we are," he said.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez and Paunovic charge forward.

"Our fans deserve a winner, and we're committed to trying to build a winner," Rodriguez said. "The sex appeal and the sizzle will come later."

Fire fans can't wait, but they'll have to.

Follow Orrin on Twitter @Orrin_Schwarz