Do you feel you have something to prove with this team?
I think the entire team has something to prove. Last season we "looked good on paper" but that never translated to the field. I know that the players returning feel that last season was not a true accounting of their abilities, and they can't wait to get back on the field to show what they are truly capable of.
How far do you think the team is from realistically challenging Montreal and Rochester for the division title?
Challenging Rochester and Montreal for the division title is something you earn on a daily basis. Is it an objective? Of course it is. If you base this year's objectives on last year's results your perspective will probably be severely skewed. We, the players and coaches, will clearly focus on the goals and objectives we set for this season and then apply ourselves to achieving them.
What are the immediate goals for next season?
My immediate goals for this year... be better on the road... improve our collective play as a team... improve our level of fitness... reduce the number of meaningless fouls... obviously I'm focusing on performance issues rather than purely result orientated ones... I think that the journey is far more important than the destination at the beginning of the season... as a team we will discuss and agree on the objectives and goals that we want to achieve throughout the season.
Would you care to tell us a little bit about Tim Glowienka and Brent Jacquette? Do you think these players will have the impact that Worthen and Potteiger had last season?
Tim Glowienka is a left back. He was also selected by the Metro Stars (30th pick) and will be going into their preseason camp. I wish him success but should he become available I would certainly want to talk with him again. Brent Jacquette is a strong, athletic player with a great deal of versatility. He has played in 2-3 different positions at Penn State and has contributed greatly to their team's success. I think that Brent can grow tremendously as a player over the next couple of years if that is important to him.
How is the atmosphere with some of the returning players?
The atmosphere of the returning players is exceptional. Those players who have stayed in the Pittsburgh area following the season are working out and preparing for the new season. They are committed to improving and to being "ready" when the season starts. As a coach, I find their attitude extremely mature and focused. They know exactly what is expected of them.
We've heard Ricardo's goal to "win everything" this year. How realistic do you think that might be?
Ricardo's comments are from his heart. He saw this team struggle last season, and he does not want to experience that again. I would want every player on my team to be as committed to achieving success as Ricardo is. Even though his comments may appear overly optimistic I wouldn't want him to feel any other way. It is my job to season the expectations of the players and to present the goals and objectives of the team within a framework of minimum and maximum expectations that we would like to obtain.
With Ricardo returning and re-signed this early do you think it will send a message to some of the guys that he'll be an integral part of leading this team?
Ricardo is an integral part of the team. He is a good pro who understands the demands of the game. He is good in the locker room and although he doesn't say a lot, when he does it usually is right on. Ricardo will add greatly to this team both on and off the field.
How much longer do you think Randy Dedini is going to hang in there in net for you guys? How far away do you think T.J. is from becoming the number 1?
Randy is realistic about his abilities. We discussed at the end of last season where he is and what he needs to do to be in the kind of shape necessary to stand up to an A-League season. Randy's playing experience is invaluable and will help him as well as any other goalkeepers in our team. TJ (TJ Hannig) has been the reserve GK for the past couple of seasons. I know that TJ will challenge Randy every time he steps on the training field. Ultimately, the decision who to play comes down to what is in the best interest of the team.
Who are some of the guys you feel might be most important to get this team to achieve its goals?
Every player on the roster is vitally important to achieving the goals of this team. At one time or another, they will be called on to step up and provide the necessary leadership in order for us to achieve our goals.
How soon do you think it will take before the bulk of the team is signed?
In the A-League player acquisition is an on-going process. The core of the team should be on board by the middle or end of February. We will still be talking and looking at players during the early part of the preseason.
Are there any prospects you'll be looking to sign that might surprise some of the Hounds fans?
Yes, we will sign a couple of players that will be very positively received by our fans!
What do you think Hounds fans should expect from the club and what does the club expect from the fans heading into 2003?
I think the fans can and should expect that we will step on the field in 2003 better prepared and ready to compete as a team. That's a commitment that this team (players and coaches) will make from the first day of training to the last day of the season.
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