On Stats

“I think people think goals and assists are the only thing,” he said. “It’s never been part of my game. That’s never how I played when I was in Europe. I think people look at stats a little bit too much. I really don’t care about that. The most important thing is how I help the team.”

On “Dropping Back” as a Central Attacking Midfielder

“That wasn’t really the plan, but I felt like I had to,” he said. “I like to stay a little bit closer to the forwards. In the first half, we had a bit of a wind issue. We couldn’t really get forward. It’s natural for me. Sometimes, in order to get the team going, I need to drop off.”

On the impact of key Injuries this season (Richards, Angel)

“Our coach has a good idea about that and where everyone fits in well,” Reyna said. “We have some guys filling in positions right now, but once we have our main team, you’ll see that guys are in the right positions and that the team will be able to shine.”

On critique aimed towards him as a Designated Player

“Everyone’s got different opinions and you have to live with it,” Reyna said. “My whole career has been about central midfield and about controlling the game. I will always continue to play the way that I feel is best for the team, not the way that is best for the stats.”

This is an excellent read for anyone who is a soccer fan. Click on that above link and read the rest of the entry.

MY TAKE

Reyna has a point – his entire career has been spent manning the center of the midfield in various degrees. He has developed a simple philosophy – keep the ball moving safely. Not moving forward. Not moving backwards. Just moving safely.

In the first half against New England, he created fluidity in the attack by doing “all the small things right” (yes I know some of you are sick of hearing it) such as sending lead passes, short passes, low risk back heals.

The second half was the polar opposite. And whether you want to blame Reyna for incurring yet another in game injury to his knee is your perogative. But my view remains that these things happen, whether its Claudio Reyna or Kenny Cooper. And on top of all of that – if the fans knew Reyna was injury prone, then the Red Bull organization knew – its part of the package (sad but true).

Reynas version of what a CAM should be doing, and what the fanbase is expecting are miles apart, and that is really the problem. To an extent, I think seeing Amado Guevara in the role set up an expectation level that Reyna can not fulfill. Ditto for Christian Gomez, who fans hated on DC, but admired, from a distance, his prowess in that very position.

Reyna is not Gomez or Guevara. For sure.

He does create space, drawing attention the minute he gets on the ball. He is a natural leader on the field whom others respond to (just watch him barking towards either end of the pitch). He does have his positives – but if what people expect from him is a sudden change in philosophy at the age of 35 to just run people over, sacrifice his body in the process, push the ball relentlessly upfield like “El Lobo,” you have to come back from Fantasy Island.

The Red Bulls bought him knowing what kind of player he is – which was never an assist piler or goal scorcher. So perhaps it is the expectations that should be modified.

Regardless, Reyna is under contract, and the team has to evaluate what he brings to the table when the entire roster is in game form.

The point is . . .

If you followed my writings last year, I defended Reyna till defending could not be had. The injuries (which was known to be part of the package when signing him), lack of enthusiasm, game play – all of it was lack luster. And the criticism well deserved. The offseason comes and we find out he wasnt happy with Bruce Arena, and a rift existed the entire season.

That explained alot. Though it still does not make it right.

My point? Its time to turn the page on last season, and focus on Claudio Reyna – 2008. And, in my humble opinion, that slate is still clean (how one could fault him for his giveaway in New England that resulted in a goal when there were still about 3-4 passes that needed to be made to score is beyond me).

Besides, once everyone is back and healthy again, who knows which side of the central midfield he will take.

Patience padawans. Patience.

Take a look for yourself.

OLD:

NEW:

My guess is that management wanted the Bulls in the logo to resemble our play on the field this year . . . static.

But I digress.

Here is another poll for you lovely people. Which logo do you like best?

So the games were over! After I received a thorough beating in FIFA 08, we went off to chat a little bit about gaming, his soccer future, as well as the current state of the Red Bulls and more. Enjoy!




FIFA 08



DM: So, first of all, congrats on being the cover boy for FIFA 08! How does it feel?

JOZY: Its great, definitely an honor to be (cover boy) on a game that I’ve followed for so many years, you know, especially being along side Ronaldihno and Ochoa, two great players . . . its a real honor.

DM: So, after that thorough beating, I suppose you have played FIFA for a long time?

JOZY: I’ve been playing FIFA since roughly 96.

DM: I remember playing with pure National teams back then . . . USA, Argentina . . . any old school fav’s?

JOZY: No not really, I dont remember man, I would mostly play European teams . . . like I said, Ive been playing a long time.

DM: And what did you think about your characters portrayal in FIFA 07 as compared to 08?

JOZY: I was in 07?

DM:Yea, you were actually added on later to the game in most newer versions. I think you had like a 50 rating.

JOZY: Look at that. And in one season I made up 18 points!

DM: So your happy with the way your character came out for this game?

JOZY: Oh absolutely, I am happy, and its fun. I am a threat, constant, every 90 minutes. . . . I love it. Im happy.

DM: Yea, and from your earlier display, JP Angel is always sitting there at the slot waiting to get those rebounds!

JOZY: Yea, its gonna be a really good combination.

DM: Yea, really good combination.




THE PAST YEAR



DM: So tell me Jozy, its been a crazy year. I mean, look at where you are now! I remember you coming in late last year, debuting against DC, then Columbus, and now you are here, cover boy for the new FIFA. What has this last year meant to you?

JOZY: Oh its meant the world to me. Its been a rollercoaster year of highs and lows, its been great. Actually, this is just the beginning. I want to still go alot longer in my career, and do alot more big things.

DM: Absolutely. A good example of that was the Under 20’s (World Cup). What was your experience with the Under 20 like?

JOZY: Great. It was a great experience at the World Cup. To play with the best people, my age, I took alot from it. I loved it.

DM: I am sure that in this time, you had some words with Adu about his future, considering that he was looking at the move overseas, and in turn, yours. Did he have any friendly advice or insight. for you as you begin development, and growth in the international scene?

JOZY: He just told me to stay up, stay on top, and keep playing well. And as for him, you know, I am very proud of him. He has come a long way. He is in Europe now . . .

DM: Yea, he got a goal a week or two ago . . . .

JOZY: Yea, playing for a great team.




HIS DEVELOPMENT WITH RBNY



DM: Absolutely. So you are showing tremendous growth with the team this season. What would you contribute that to?

JOZY: Red Bull has been very supportive of me, being patient with me . . . . and they are very confident of my abilities, on and off the field. That along with the support of my family and teammates has really helped out my growth.

DM: More specifically, this season, there has been a noticeable difference in your first touch and finish. Which coach, player, person, what have you, has contributed most to this?

JOZY: Well I think John Harkes has been huge helping me throughout (my development). You know, he helped me man, along with Claudio and Juan Pablo. I mean, you see everyday in soccer . . . if that first touch is good . . . if you have a good first touch on half the plays, it will leave you in good goal scoring positions. Those guys have helped me alot.

DM: Absolutely, and funny you mention it, but I was going to ask specifically about Mathis, Reyna, Angel – how have they helped you in your development and in the development of this team?

JOZY: They have been huge. They know alot about the game. They are veterans of the game. They just explain to me all the little things I need to do to be effective. You know, with that, I use those tools to improve upon my game

DM: Hows your relationship with the organization, Coach Bruce . . .

JOZY: Oh, first class relationship with all my teammates, coaches, players, trainers, workers, office workers, water boys, altar boys. *chuckles* Nah, I am good with everybody. I love this organization. That is my home right now, and hopefully will be for a little bit longer.

DM: Ok, some quick questions for ya. Who is your favorite person to hang with on the team?

JOZY: OH MAN! Dane Richards is my boy man. Champion lifestyle, we both live it!

DM: Favorite place to play?

JOZY: I’de say Giants Stadium.

DM: Really?

JOZY: Seriously. I dont have a problem with it. The fans are starting to file in. Its really not a bad atmosphere.




CURRENT STATE OF RBNY


DM: Well, turning our attentions to the season on hand, you guys started off on fire. Then you cooled off significantly. Then emotions ran high again for the Beckham game, only for us now to be mired in a 7 game winless streak. What do you attribute that to?

JOZY: Well, we have had alot of injuries. We are finally getting healthy again, and I think, when healthy, this team is one of the better teams in the league. Now, come the playoff time, its what alot of people are worried about. We are worried about these last three games, but we are also worried about getting our place ready for the playoffs and what we will go up against.

DM: Sure. Now having your destiny in your own hands against TFC, does it bother you on any level to have backed into the playoffs the way you did, or is just being there enough?

JOZY: Not at all. I mean, us being the playoffs right now without having a win is due to what we did early, you know. Opening the season was huge for us, I mean, beating a bunch of top teams like Dallas and Houston, and those big wins came into play . . . now. Had we lost those games or dropped those games, right now, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in right now.

DM: So there really isnt much of a preference for an opponent?

JOZY: No no preference. To me, every team is about the same in the league. Some play better together, you know, as others do better than others. I mean, I think we can beat any team, any time . . . .

DM: I can imagine . . . On an off note, alot of us Red Bull fans are afraid your leaving us bro . . .

JOZY: I am not going anywhere really. I am comfortable right now with Red Bull and there is no rush for me to leave this great organization.

DM: Well, one more question before our times up . . . playoff predictions?

JOZY: Playoffs? Um. I think, you know, if Red Bull . . . if we sit down, and really come together . . . and really realize what we have at hand here with the playoffs . . . . . I think, you know, I wouldnt be surprised if we win the MLS Cup

DM: Yes! That is what we want to here man! Jozy, thanks again, a great interview. We appreciate your time.

JOZY: Anytime man . . . .

===================================================

In the end . . . .

Need I say i was impressed? Jozy is 17 by number only. And we are lucky to have him on our side (club and country!).

I hope you all enjoy the write up and the interview. Leave any comments below (btw, I know alot of you are getting filtered – dont worry. “they” are working on it)




Pick up FIFA, head to the last home game of the season, OCTOBER 13th v. THE WIZARDS, and lets give the boys a proper pick me up before the playoffs come along!

AND FIFA 08 IS READY FOR YOUR GAME CONSOLES!

JOZY ALTIDORE IS ON THE COVER, SO NEW YORK BETTER REPRESENT!

. . . . And as for me?

Well, I may have a couple of surprise interviews, and some more EA related stuff to share. Tune in tommorrow night for more.

EVERYONE ENJOY!

. . . . . And when you are all good enough, maybe I can set up a FIFA tournament and REALLY teach you all how to play . . . . .