Rook Interviews! Tony Tchani, Irving Garcia, Austin da Luz

By: Dave Martinez | March 17th, 2010

The Red Bulls have potentially one of the best draft classes the franchise has seen in a long time this season. Austin da Luz has been shining on the left hand side, Tony Tchani has shown a steady and aggressive style in the middle, and the diminutive dynamo Irving Garcia has already earned a few fans amongst the Red Bull Nation who have been pulling for the late rounder to make the team.

It was announced yesterday that all members of the ‘10 class have been signed, sealed and delivered.

I had the opportunity to speak to three of the young stand outs yesterday. Check it out, after the jump:

TONY TCHANI

DM: How have you been adjusting?
TT: Pretty good, I guess. Because everything now is going good, so far.

You had said after the draft that you didn’t know much about MLS. What have you learned so far?

I learned so far about the game because MLS is just more physical, you know? Good soccer, passing, dribbling and everything.

Have you been pleasantly surprised by the talent on the team?

Ya, they are very physical and everybody is just playing soccer.

Where do you see yourself in the midfield, as an attacker, defender or both?

I don’t know really, it is up to the coaches, because when I play, there are two central midfielders side by side, so there is no one attack and one holding.

So it’s a bit of both?

Ya. They are looking for those two central mid to go box to box.

What are you looking forward to as the season begins?

Looking forward, first of all, have some playing time if possible, and second, make the MLS Cup and win something!

Wow, that’s a big goal! Now, give me your thoughts on Stammler and Robinson, and your relationship there.

Pretty good, because they are always talking to me to do this or do that you know. They have been very helpful.

AUSTIN dA LUZ

DM: You have been darned impressive this offseason! Tell us about that.

AdL: Just trying to jump in and adjust as quickly as possible. The older guys have been great about giving me pointers here and there and I just try to ask all the questions I can, and take all the advice that I can and everything has gone pretty well so far.

Who of the vets has been the most help?

I would say John Wolyniec and Mike Petke, Andy Boyens and of course Juan Pablo all have been great guys and helping me get adjusted. On and off the field, it is a big adjustment and everyone has been great about it.

What has the transition been like for you?

It’s been good. The physical side is the biggest step to overcome, the speed of play, but I am a soccer player and I am looking to adjust as quickly as I can.

Now for those who have not seen your offseason play, how would you describe yourself?

I am an attack oriented player. I play on the left but like to tuck in a little bit into the middle and combine with the central midfield and the front runners. Technical player. I like to get a lot of crosses in as well, and set up goals.

Any players you model your game against?

Um, players that I like to watch and like to emulate a little bit, Iniesta, Messi, Fabregas, those kind of guys . . .

Ah Messi . . . That makes me happy. And what about this Arena huh? Tell us a little bit about Red Bull Arena.

It’s perfect, it’s perfect. It’s a huge step for this country to have a soccer specific stadium and hopefully, some other teams will follow suit and the league will continue to grow.

And where do you see yourself contributing this season?

I usually play on the left. But I’d be happy to play wherever they put me. As long as I am on the field, I will be happy to do whatever is needed to help the team.

IRVING GARCIA

DM: Tell us what it has been like for you transitioning to professional soccer?

At first, it took me some time to get adjusted to the team. It is more physical, much faster but I feel like I am doing well.

I don’t know if you know, but alot of people are pulling for you to make the cut for this season. Thoughts?

Actually, yes, I have noticed alot of people have been pulling for me. Especially from my home state of Arizona. People who talk to me are always asking how things are going. I put it first in God and I hope everything turns out ok.

What have you noted to be the biggest difference in going professional?

First off, everyone is more technical. All the players play well with both feet. Everything is faster. And everyone is a great player. Not like in college.

And what are your impressions of Hans Backe?

VERY good. Overall, the team discipline, tactics, and how we attack and defend, it has all been coming together well.

DM: What do you feel is Backe’s focus? What is he looking to get out of the team?:

IG: Tactical discipline in the game. If you are losing by a goal, be disciplined, and never lose your focus.