Media Day interviews with Mr. Burns, Vermes, “Dan” Salloi, and Erik Thommy

Sporting Kansas City’s 2025 media day took place on February 14, 2025. Thad, Robert, and David decided to spend their Valentine’s Day together watching training and interviewing Peter Vermes, Mike Burns, Daniel Salloi, and Erik Thommy.

First, the team sat down with Mike “Mr. Burns” Burns. Their interview touched on his scouting philosophy, relationship with Peter Vermes, roster construction, and his transition to Kansas City. Burns was very forthcoming with his approach to the transfer market and Sporting’s current rebuild project. You can listen to his interview on the Shades of Blue via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you consume your content.

Next, the guys talked with Peter Vermes who insisted he was “just a coach” at this point. Vermes’ interview covered serious topics like the roster rebuild, MLS’ involvement in the US Open Cup, and his decades long relationship with Mike Burns but ended on a lighthearted note asking which kit has been his favorite over the years.

Newly moustached winger, Daniel Salloi, joined the podcast to talk about his new role as a locker room leader and veteran on the team. Daniel expressed his excitement over new signings, Manu Garcia and Dejan Jovelic, before ranking his favorite and least favorite kits over the years. Salloi ended his interview with racquetball challenge from Robert and an invite to join him at Casa de Padel for some padel lessons.

Finally, Erik Thommy joined the Shades of Blue. He gave insight into how he has helped the new signings get accustomed to the club and Kansas City and spoke about how his midseason transfer created different challenges than players who come during the winter window. Thommy spoke about the opportunity for new leadership to step up in the wake of the departure of so many veteran voices and how he approached his responsibility as a leader.

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SPOTIFY | APPLE 

Mike Burns Interview

Salloi and Thommy Interviews

Peter Vermes Interview