After a difficult loss where the difference between the tie and the result was finishing, Coach Claivjo takes time to answer some questions many fans wonder about:
I. Pablo played the game anchoring the back line. Can you tell us why you decided to insert him in to the defense instead of the midfield?
Pablo is a very experience player, and we considered necessary to make sure that we were not chasing the game from the beginning.
When he plays in the back everyone feels much more in control.
II. Terry Cooke came on to the field with some fanfare from the crowd, and seemed to have an instant positive impact on the game. Can we expect Terry next game and how badly is Jacob Peterson's injury?
I believe so, Terry is a very good player that we can use every game, but there are things to his game he can do much better.
I was very happy to see Cooke back in the line up, and working hard.
Terry will be playing because he did bring a lot of energy to the team, and I expected him to do the same against the Crew.
III. Mike Petke got some time with the reserve teams. What's the expected time table to see him back in the starting lineup?
Mike should be back in the lineup in about 2 weeks, finally he is training without restrictions and the game vs. San Jose in California is the game we are targeting
IV. It was reported about Bouna Coundoul that there was some concern that he didn't maintain contact while he was in Africa. Can we expect him back in the nets?
That is not correct, this time we had Bouna under control, but I was not to happy that Bouna Didn’t play any games, he was one month without any games, and we didn’t know if his training was good enough.
V. In Brian Forbes article about the release of John Murphy as assistant coach, he wrote that you claimed it was your decision. Is this true and if so, what triggered your decision to replace John Murphy?
The article by Brian Forbes was correct, I don’t think this is the proper time to answer to the question, but be sure that I will more than happy to answer that at the end of the year.
VI. David Kramer replaces Murphy as Goal Keeper coach. Can you tell us a bit about David Kramer and what he brings to the Rapids?
Former player, respect, knowledge and honesty, we have a very good group of young goalkeeper that need challenge and experience.
As a former goalkeeper is have all the credential and the locker-room experience to help our goalkeepers.
Thanks coach, and good luck in Columbus and climbing back into the playoff picture!
Posted by mark at June 27, 2008 07:59 PM