March 26, 2008
VI Questions with Coach Clavijo: Pregame
Fernando Clavijo took some time out from game preparation to answer some questions for Class VI and all Rapids fans as we approach the kick off to the 2008 season. Go Rapids!!!
I. The team has so many injuries. Can you give us a quick run down of who won't make the game Saturday?
Many players will be game time decision, and we need to look into game fitness with many of them.
Out for sure are:
Conor Casey, Hugo Ihemelu, Mike Petke, Jovan Kirosvki, Mehdi Ballouchy
Players that we will monitor and may play some time are: Daniel Gargan, Herculez Gomez, Pablo Mastroeni, and Rafael Gomes.
II. It seems Rafael Gomes has excellent skills on the ball, but Rapids fans don't know much about him. Can you tell us a little about him and what role do you expect Gomes to play for the team this season?
Rafael is a great player from Brazil, he is eager to show to the fans and to us what is he capable of doing, He will be playing behind Christian and help him connect with the rest of the team. Great on the ball and will get forward always in good positions to score.
III. How is Christian Gomez fitting into the team?
Christian is happy and he feels welcome in Colorado, this will be a big year for him and is looking forward to help the Rapids win a championship.
IV. Is there a player Rapids fans may be surprised to see in the starting lineup come Saturday?
Like I told you before, many of the final decision will be on game day, will be premature to tell you any names right now, but you can count on that which player step into the field is going to make you proud.
V. When you come in against a team that has made so many changes and hasn't played a regular season game yet, how do you approach the game strategically?
My biggest concern on regards to a team that we don’t know much is to play our game, dictate the phase and the speed and force them to play or react to your style. We know they have some very good players but we are at home,
VI. Can you give Rapids fans an idea of what you, as coach, do the morning of a game until kickoff?
I wake up around 7 am, my wife bring me breakfast in bed (she is the best) take a shower and drive to the office. Look into articles to find out a little about injuries on the team we will be playing, get into a Match Analysis, a program that allow us to check players and games and review free Kicks, offensive and defensive- check for tendencies of teams. And anything that I can learn and pass along to the players. After that go to the weight room, work out a little, home get lunch and comeback around to the stadium 3 hours before the game.
Thanks for your time coach - Class VI Rapids fans greatly appreciate your taking time for the fans. Good luck Saturday!