Chicago Fire's Brian Gutiérrez Ready to Make the Leap in 2024

“I looked at myself in the mirror and looked at what I wanted to do and I have those stepping stones, those achievements that I want to do.”

Brian Gutiérrez became a fan-favorite for the Chicago Fire during the 2023 Major League Soccer season while setting career-high marks in many categories despite not graduating from his teenage years until June.

Gutiérrez put himself on the map in 2023, earning a spot on MLS’s 22 under 22 Best XI before signing a new contract with the Fire in November. The 20-year-old Chicagoan says the new deal is a morale booster entering the 2024 season full of expectations.

“It’s a big boost of confidence because you see that the club actually rewards homegrowns. It’s something that gives you a boost of confidence, something that gives you – because they trust you, they’re putting faith in you. Not a lot of MLS clubs do that in the league so I’m just grateful for that.

“It was a reward for what I did and I’m grateful for that. I always want to give my best and my all for this club.”

Naturally, the local’s family was thrilled their loved one is staying in Chicago on his own accord, but Gutiérrez understands the new deal is a beginning, not a conclusion.

“It’s just another little stepping stone to what I want to achieve.”

Offseason Grind

Gutiérrez knew that he had to improve his game after the 2023 MLS season. Despite logging a career-high 2,388 minutes in the league, physical improvement was needed. Gutiérrez hired a personal trainer and a nutritionist in the offseason to help build his strength for 2024.

Gone are the sour gummy worms and bags of Rips in favor of protein shakes. But don’t worry, he hasn’t been converted to avocado ice cream just yet. To be at the top of his game in 2024, he believes the changes are necessary.

“It’s not easy. You have to be really disciplined. That’s the most important part. To discipline yourself and get out of your comfort zone…

“But I really thought about it, thought about what I wanted and I made those changes in my career and in my life.”

Goal-scoring needs to improve for Gutiérrez in 2024. He knows this. He managed only two goals last season despite totaling 29 shots in the penalty area, per Fotmob, and having another couple of chances from set-pieces. While improving his physique is one aspect of the offseason, what goes on between the ears is just as important for continuing development.

“I think most of it is mental, like every aspect of the game is mental. I always said the game nowadays is more mental than physically demanding. It’s more how you enter the game, how you handle the mental side of the game. It’s more mental but it’s something you need to improve in as a pro. As an attacker you always want to be a threat and score goals. I want to improve that and I need to improve that.”

Finding your voice in a workplace isn’t an easy thing. Amid a room of professional competition-aholics, it’s almost necessary. That transition is still ongoing for Gutiérrez entering his age-20 season.

“I’m honestly more of an introvert, I really don’t like to – on the pitch I really don’t like to talk, be the guy that’s screaming at everybody. I’m more of a player that if I play well, my team can see that and motivate themselves. Me doing this, me being sharp, doing the right things. For them to take it as a motivation, take it in the game.”

Being a better leader goes in line with his goals for the 2024 season with Chicago and, potentially, in front of a global audience.

“[Working toward] the Olympics is a big part. Trying to get into the senior [national] team also. Just try to be the guy when things aren’t going well, when things aren’t going well on the pitch, when your team is down, try to be the guy that can influence the game and change the game.”

Off the Pitch

The offseason hasn't been all soccer for Gutiérrez, though. A 20-year-old with a newly signed contract, he spent the past few months checking things off his “Chicago Bucket List.” The homegrown had never been to Bears, Bulls, or Blackhawks games before this year and finally got to do both of those in recent months.

“You live here so long and you don’t go to these events. Now that I’m fortunate enough to have the resources, I get to be able to go now.”

He still believes in Justin Fields. “I say keep Fields and draft that guy from Ohio State [Marvin Harrison Jr.],” when quizzed about how Chicago’s NFL team should handle their quarterback conundrum.

A lifelong White Sox fan (he’s converted Carlos Terán to Sox fandom, too), he’s wrestling with the realities of a club that let go of his two favorite players in Jose Abreu and Tim Anderson.

Gutiérrez has found solace, like many Chicagoans, in watching the Blackhawks’ rookie sensation Connor Bedard.

“He’s a dog. He’s super talented.”

Onward and Upward

It’s been a lot of change for Gutiérrez despite remaining with the same club. Despite the challenges that come with change, the results have already begun to go the way of Chicago’s No. 17.

In the Fire’s preseason friendly against the New York Red Bulls last week in Florida, Gutiérrez slotted home a left-footed effort from 12 yards out to help Chicago secure a 2-2 draw.

Ideally, it’s the first of many for Gutiérrez in 2024.

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