Locker room setup before the match against FC Cincinatti at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday July 21, 2021. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta United)

The Sports Inquirer attended the presser of Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda following the team’s exhibition match against Celaya F.C. in Mexico Feb. 6. Topics included United’s 2-1 victory, the progression of the team through the preseason, playing midfielder Jake Mulraney in a more central position on the field, playing defender Alex de John the entire contest and the importance of the preseason for homegrown players Caleb Wiley, Tyler Wolff and Jackson Conway.