With just a few weeks to go until the MLS regular season ends and with the race for playoff spots tightening, Columbus Crew decided to add an experienced player to their roster. Emauel Pogatetz was signed as a Discovery Signing in an undisclosed deal as confirmed by the club on Tuesday.
Pogatetz joins Columbus Crew as a replacement for Costa Rican defender Giancarlo González, who recently left the club and moved to Italy to play for Palermo. The Austrian defender is expected to occupy the vacant spot left by González.
The 31-year-old Austrian international made his professional debut in 2000 in his home country playing for FC Kartern. He continued his career in Germany and then England followed. Pogatetz had his most successful career spell playing for Middlesbrough from 2005 to 2010. He made 123 appearances during that period with the English club.
After that, he went back to Germany to play for Hannover 96, Wolfsburg and FC Nurnberg before joining Columbus Crew. Pogatetz has also made 61 appearances for the Austrian national team.
Columbus Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter had his word regarding Pogatetz signing:
“We think Emanuel is a great addition to the roster. He’s a highly experienced defender and a captain of his National Team with over 60 appearances for Austria.
“Emanuel comes to us with Bundesliga and Premiership experience, and he’s accomplished at the highest levels of the game. He's very good in the air and a strong tackler that can possess and pass the ball well.
“He fits right into what we're doing and he’s a person who can affect the culture of our club with his experience, attitude and mentality.”
Pogatetz playing for Austria
