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Your Questions Answered (Part 3 of 4)

Ives Galarcep

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Good morning folks. It is time for the latest portion of the most recent Q&A session. There was a wide variety of questions this time around, including some about the U.S. national team, some about MLS, and the popular "Who are the best players in the world" question. I provide my Top 11 players list in the world, in the EPL and MLS, with Rio Ferdinand earning a place on the first two lists.

Now, without any further delay, here are some more of your questions answered:

MARK– Who makes the MLS Cup from the East? Does New England have serious problems or was the period between SuperLiga and Chivas (9/11) just an unfortunate result of fixture congestion and injuries?

IVES– Columbus looks very good so it’s tough to bet against them, but they have a lot of young players who have never faced playoff pressure and that could cost them. I do think New England will straighten things out and you have to give them the edge because of the experience factor. I also agree that their stretch of poor form had to do with injuries and fixture congestion. A New England-Houston final could happen for the third time, but I will wait to see how the league fixes things so we get the Galaxy-Fire dream match-up the league is still praying for (kidding Don, just kidding).

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FREDDY– It seems that Bob Bradley doesn’t have any problems calling up veterans (Hejduk, Mastroeni, Lewis) on a regular basis. In your opinion why hasn’t Steve Ralston got more attention from Bradley? With the right wing midfield pool as thin as it is and Dempsey and Donovan not natural wingers, why not call up Ralston who still plays like he’s 10 years younger than he is?

IVES– I like Ralston in MLS play, but he’s definitely lost a step and even before he lost that step he wasn’t necessarily an international level winger. You can argue that if Eddie Lewis merits a look than Ralston does as well, but I think Lewis has been a better player for longer and plays on the left, where the suddenly fragile DaMarcus Beasley is the only reliable option there (and the extremely fragile Bobby Convey has ceased to be a viable option for now). It’s easier to move someone like Dempsey or Donovan over to the right, where they can cross on their dominant foot, as opposed to the left flank.

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TOM– Do you think youth programs run by MLS teams will be a profitable venture within the next ten years? Is this the reason MLS teams are reluctant to invest more in youngsters?

IVES– I don’t think MLS teams are investing tons into youth programs because they can’t fully benefit from those programs just yet. MLS rules limit just how much teams can gain from those programs. Once those rules disappear I think you’ll see some teams step up their investments.

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JACK– Any plans on New England moving to a soccer specific stadium? Also is Quest Field planned as a permanent home for Seattle or are there plans for them to move to a SSS too?

IVES– New England is a unique case because the Revs actually get all the revenue from their games despite playing in a football stadium because Robert Kraft owns both the Patriots and Revs. This probably leads to less urgency to secure a SSS. I don’t think it’s near the top of the Revs’ things to do list. (I stand corrected. According to a Revs spokesperson, the Revs are actively in the process of trying to secure a soccer-specific stadium and the team just hasn’t been as public about the process as some other teams. That’s good news for Revs fans, assuming it doesn’t take as long as The Big Dig to get done.)

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TONY– Do you expect the new XSL to be a success (profitable) or is it doomed to fail? Also will you be following the progress (and going to games) of the Ironmen in the new season?

IVES– In my opinion, the XSL is absolutely doomed to fail and is a complete waste of money for the investors. Now, I’m hoping that doesn’t happen, but I can’t imagine how a four-team "league" is going to work. I will keep tabs on how the Ironmen do but I’m not sure if I’ll be going to any games.

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FIREBALL– 1. Why doesn’t TIAS have DP banners on his front page like the rest of you?

2. What is your opinion of Jack Warner as CONCACAF President?

Thanks for the great site.

IVES– 1. Adam Spangler is a prima donna, that’s why (kidding folks, kidding). I have no idea.

2. I can’t say I’m impressed with Warner and while I always have some doubt about the more outlandish stories about his corrupt ways, I can’t help but believe that some if it is true.

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BRANT– As a USMNT fan, should I be offended or pissed off that McDonald’s is advertising their support for the Mexican National Team in McD’s franchises, in the US, in English?! 

I understand supporting them in Mexico, but it seems a little over the line to advertise that fact in the US. Why not sponsor the USMNT? And if you are, why not make a bigger deal out of it?

IVES- Brant, it’s called targeted marketing. When you saw the ad did you happen to be somewhere that a lot of latinos live? I would also be curious to know just how many Mexican national team fans live in the United States. You would be surprised. I wouldn’t get too bent out of shape about it, but if you want to boycott McDonalds then go right ahead. It might do you some good.

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BRANT– What are the TV arrangements being made for the CONCACAF Champions League and next year’s SuperLiga?

IVES– Fox Soccer Channel is broadcasting the Champions League games. Not sure if the 2009 SuperLiga television deal is already established.

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BRIAN– Edson Buddle–when will he get a chance again? Seems like he’s a good candidate esp since he plays with Donovan.

IVES– I see him getting a call into the January camp, but I’m not sure if he makes it into the U.S. national team rotation.

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OSSINGTON MENTAL YOUTH– Hey Ives,
Wondering if youve heard anything with regards to Ottawa actually being a contender as an expansion team. I honestly cant think of a worse candidate. They will be a new KC or Columbus (as far as attendence is concerned).

Also wondering (if this hasnt been answered a billion times, which im sure it has) what realistic changes to the CBA do you foresee now that the fifa scheduling went down recently (as well as the NYRB Striker from Atlanta scandal) recently occured?

Also meant to mention the Revs/Chivas being beaten out in Champions League (with regards to schedule changes)

Thanks and keep up the good work

IVES– I refuse to believe that Ottawa is a serious candidate. I know there’s a prospective owner but there are better markets in play and I just can’t see Ottowa passing the likes of Miami, Montreal and New York.

It’s nearly impossible to predict what will happen with the new CBA.

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BRANT– What are the chances of Chad Marshall getting a USMNT call-up?

IVES– I think his chances are very good. At the very least, if he doesn’t get a call-up this year he’ll be in the January camp.

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SEA OTTER– Did you get as much pleasure out of Roy Keane’s comments about Jack Warner as I did?

IVES– I loved both sides. Loved Keane’s blast, then loved Waner’s cutting comeback.

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TOM– Your opinion on Jurgen Klinnsman. What do your "little birds" tell you about him turning down the job and is there a chance that we will ever have a second crack at him?

IVES– I don’t have little birdies that tell me stuff (though some other writers do). I could see Klinsmann being the U.S. coach one day. He’s certainly young enough for 2014 or even 2018.

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BJR– Where do you disagree with, or think that Bob Bradley is misguided?

In terms of player selection (and timing of this), player positioning, tactics, etc.

Thanks…

IVES– I disagree with him regarding Eddie Johnson, and a bit with his delay in bringing in Jozy Altidore, but I haven’t had nearly as much of a problem with some of the things I hear fans complain about (More detail on this in the next answer).

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SEA OTTER– I really appreciate your having these regular Q & A’s for us. Your site is a must read for me….at least a couple times a day.

On to my question…..

As you’re aware…and probably tired of…many U.S. fans believe that Bob Bradley has squandered chances to build depth in a pretty weak pool of forwards…blowouts against Barbados and an understrength T&T aside.

As always, you’ve been a calming voice in the debate and pretty much supportive of Bradley’s strategy in his call-ups so far. I think I’m fairly accurate there.

My question to you is, being also a fan of USMNT, where do you personally reach the end of your patience? At what point would the alarm bells begin ringing for you? Would you use this platform that you’ve created to speak about your concerns?

Thanks again,

SeaOtter

IVES– Hey Sea Otter, thanks for the support. First let me say that I’m not a U.S. national team fan, I’m a journalist. Sure, there are some nationalistic feelings that go into watching the USMNT play but as a journalist I need to try to be as objective as possible. Now, about the national team and Bradley’s strategy on call-ups, while I have disagreed with some of his call-ups and omissions, I also don’t think there is any reason for panic or "alarm bells" or anything like that.

Yes, the U.S. offense has struggled this year, but I also think the competition and game conditions have played a role in many of these disappointing performances. I think it’s too easy for some fans to assume that if Play X or Y had been there then things would have been different. I will agree that Eddie Johnson is tragic and shouldn’t see another national team game unless he buys a ticket until he can get his career in order.

That said, it doesn’t mean I think Kenny Cooper should be starting for the national team. He could have gotten a look by now, but I don’t think him not getting looks this year has set him or the national team back. I do think that Jozy Altidore should get looks as well. I’m down on Freddy Adu as anything more than a national team late-game sub at this point so his absence doesn’t bother me nearly as much as some fans who think he’ll step in and be Messi if given the chance.

I’ll admit to having been a part of that group after the Spain game. I gave Adu a lot of credit for his performance in that match but when I watched the game a few times I realized that Spain sat back and didn’t really attempt to pressure him (or anyone) that much defensively. In fact, the only game I’ve seen him play in where he faced tight defensive pressure was the Japan Olympic game and Japan pretty much shut him down. He went into an England game that was already decided and did some nice things, but against an England squad that had taken the foot off the petal. He showed some flashes in the Argentina game, which impressed, but where hardly evidence that he’s ready to start.

When would alarm bells start ringing for me? The chance for that has come and gone this year in my opinion. If the U.S. had lost to Guatemala and tied Cuba then I would have asked some serious questions, but the USMNT is 3-0 in qualifying and looking at a very easy next game that should clinch the Hexagonal berth. I understand the urgency some fans have to see certain players, but just because there is that urgency doesn’t mean the national team program is a mess or in danger of failing. I think part of that is also due to some fans still feeling the aftereffects of the 2006 World Cup and fearing a repeat of that. People need to move on and stop comparing everything to 2006 and the lead-up to 2006.

Hope that answers your question.

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DUUUUUUDE– What are the chances that Christopher Sullivan ever gets Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s name pronounced correctly on the air?

IVES– 1,000-1

But seriously, I absolutely hate the habit of some announcers of trying to pronounce names in the accent of the country of origin. If you are announcing for an American audience then just use a standard pronounciation. I’m not sure what’s so hard about that. And where does it stop really? Do you say Oguchi Onyewu with an African accent? Do you say Clint Dempsey with a Texas twang? Tim Howard with a Joisey accent? David Beckham with a British accent? It’s silly.

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ROCKY– 1. I was wondering what your opinion is on the idea of DaMarcus Beasley playing left back instead of left winger for the national team. With Freddy Adu hopefully soon making his arrival into the starting lineup I think this would be a great idea. We could use his pace to make runs up and down the left flank, and he does defend well.

2. I have become very impressed with Onyewu’s progress as a center back. Do you think he has world class potential? And do you think he could move to a big club in January?

IVES– I think A) Beasley is too valuable on the left flank to drop him to fullback (though he could probably play left back if there if there were a stud left winger to replace him, and no, Adu isn’t that player). Also, with regard to your scenario of having Beasley be a marauding left back racing down the wing, you do realize that would Freddy Adu to do about 200 times more defensive work than he has ever done in central midfield, right?

Could Beasley be a left back in like four or five years? Possibly. Right now, there’s no point in changing him.

I also think Heath Pearce has developed well and is the national team left back, with Bornstein a challenger once he stays healthy and plays more.

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HAROLD– Do you consider the US to be a contender for the Confederations Cup next year? Also when is the next Gold Cup scheduled to take place? Also Merry Christmas! (since that is about the time it’s going to be before you get to answering these questions):)

IVES– I believe Bob Bradley will take the Confederations Cup very seriously and will take a full-strength side and that team will be a Top Three Contender. I have to say Spain would be the favorite. Also, I don’t think the Gold Cup schedule has been determined yet, or if it will even be played.

And Merry Christmas to you. That should be the next time I don’t delete one of your questions (kidding).

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FREDDY– SI reported on their truth and rumors section that Bayern Munich has been in touch with Donovan about him playing there. Is this "truth" or "rumor"? If it is true I don’t think it would be a wise move for Landon considering Euro 2008 star Podolski can’t even crack the starting lineup. I think his style is much more suited to La Liga or the Dutch league, maybe even French Ligue 1, Your thoughts?

IVES– I wrote about the Donovan story shortly after it came out, with sources telling me that the interest was legitimate and that Bayern would be making a bid in January. I also don’t know why it should be assumed that Podolski is miles better than Donovan based on his Euro success. Ask yourself if you think Donovan could have done well in Euro playing in that same lineup. That’s the real measure, and I think Donovan has the talent to play and play well for Bayern Munich. I also don’t think you give the Bundesliga enough credit for being an attacking league, but it is. Yes, Donovan could play well in Spain or the Netherlands, but I don’t see how playing alongside the likes of Ribery, Toni and Klose couldn’t help him show off his ability.

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HENRIK– Whose the highest earning US player abroad? Is it Tim Howard or Clint Dempsey? Though i read Brad Friedel was now making 50,000 pounds a week with AV, surely makes him 1 of the highest paid players in the Premier League if not 1 of the highest paid keepers. What do you think? Are our players being paid well?

IVES– I would love to know the fascination with the wages of Americans Abroad. This question has made the past three Q&As. I think it’s fair to say that Friedel is making the most or second-most of any american player in Europe after signing with Villa. Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey are also up there.

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HENRIK– As of now who do you see being our starting XI for World Cup 2010? Any chance Guzan will be in goal? And will Donovan still be starting?

IVES– I answered this one in the last Q&A. As for Guzan, I don’t see him starting in 2010 unless Tim Howard is injured AND Brad Friedel is not interested in coming out of retirement. And yes, I still see Donovan starting come 2010.

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HENRIK– Where do you think Kenny Cooper or Sasha Klejstan will be heading to come January?

IVES– I see Cooper going to England and Kljestan to the Netherlands.

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ARCTIC CHILL– Who are your XI for best players in the world right now and also Premier League and MLS?

IVES– When you say right now do you mean based on the past month or past year? We talking regardless of health status? Do you mean a starting XI or just a list of 11, regardless of position? I’ll just give you some lists (in random order):

WORLD

  • Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Lionel Messi
  • Kaka
  • Fernando Torres
  • Rio Ferdinand
  • Iker Casillas
  • Robinho
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic
  • Xavi
  • Cesc Fabregas
  • Marco Senna

EPL

MLS

Now, if you wanted actual Starting XIs then I need to do that next time. And please people, I did these lists in 10 minutes so if I forgot somebody don’t blow a gasket.

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REED– Who do you think would be the best coach for Seattle Sounders FC, given the fact that they have publicly stated that they are looking for an attacking-minded coach with MLS/USA experience? Thanks Ives, you do great work.

IVES– Thanks Reed, appreciate that. If I were Chris Henderson, I would make a serious play for Sigi Schmid. From what I heard, Schmid is at or near the top of Seattle’s wish list. He is out of contract with Columbus after this season and I’m pretty sure Schmid will at least listen to Seattle before signing a new deal with the Crew. If you’re asking me to choose who will win a potential bidding war between Seattle (with Paul Allen) and Columbus, I’m going to have to pick Seattle. I know this might upset Crew fans but Columbus wouldn’t necessarily be in bad shape. Robert Warzycha is ready to be a head coach.

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SEVEN– I asked this in an early Q&A, but I think your answer might have changed in the past few weeks. When will MLS start respecting FIFA international dates (at least some of them).

IVES– I think MLS is going to work harder to try and squeeze out at least a few bye weeks for the league. There are a ton of international dates next year so MLS has no choice but to try and work around some of them.

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AMIT– Could the Red Bulls loan a player to Atlanta Silverbacks to defray the transfer cost, perhaps Wolyneic?

IVES– Atlanta’s season was almost over at the time so I’m not sure that was ever an option (I also don’t think a Red Bulls player would be obligated to move to Atlanta).

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KEVIN– When will our best players stop heading to the crappy leagues of Denmark, Norway, Austria, Belgium and especially to the 2nd divisions in those leagues? I realize we may not be able to crack the top division in say Germany or Spain, but still 2nd division is tons more respectable than say Austria.

IVES– When did the best American players start going there? I missed that one. Clarence Goodson, Jay Needham, Troy Perkins and Jeremiah White aren’t elite national team caliber players yet. Benny Feilhaber is probably the lone high-profile example but he’s never had a steady starting job as a professional so I don’t see the problem with him moving to Denmark. As for Austria, Nate Jaqua went there, lit it up for half a season, and came back to MLS. Not sure I see some trend there. And Kevin, who’s the best American player playing in the second division in one of those countries you mentioned?

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WEATHERMANNX01– 1. Goalie jerseys – whatever happened to goalie jerseys in team colors? Matt Reis used to wear a grey and red combo that complimented the blue/red trim of the Revs’ home unis. Now most keepers seem to wear either the all-green or that sky blue shirt (like Doug Warren wears for DCU). There was a brief bout with the back with neon yellow trim last year, and Matt Reis wore a red long-sleeved late in 2007 and an orange/blue long-sleeved earlier this year. Did Adidas take over on the decision-making? Are they trying to reduce the number of keeper styles to reduce costs? What happened to team colors on keepers?

2. Is there any perfect solution to the scheduling issues that have become evident this year? It seems to me that there’s a downside to every solution. You could schedule two games per week early in the season (say Tuesdays and Saturdays) to give teams a break later in the season when there are more competitions going on, but then you lose out because weeknight crowds are smaller than weekend crowds (in general, I have observed). The season can’t really be extended in either direction because of weather issues in the north. And I don’t see teams being all that willing to give up a few more games each season (say 28 or 26 games) and lose that revenue. Is there any golden solution, or do we just have to put up with hectic scheduling until roster limits increase to lighten the load on players?

IVES– Interesting observation on the goalie jerseys. It wouldn’t shock me of apparel companies are trying to establish certain models of jerseys to help sales. If you have too many different ones, none of them get established as popular styles. Just a thought.

2. I agree that it’s tougher than people realize to squeeze in the MLS schedule around international dates, but there must be a way to squeez in two or three free weekends in order to try and avoid at least a few of the international fixture dates.

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ARCTIC CHILL– In your best estimate and great mind, what will be the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th MLS franchises awarded to?

Im willing to bet Vancouver, St.Louis, Portland and Miami. But since New York wants a 2nd team i figure Miami might lose out. But also a great chance the number of teams will rise to 22 if not 24. thoughts?

IVES– I always thought St. Louis was a lock, but Jeff Cooper’s whining about the franchise fee must make MLS nervous about whether he has the resources to properly run a team if he were awarded one.

Here’s who I see being Next Four:

  • Montreal
  • New York
  • Miami
  • Vancouver

Here’s the four I would pick if I had magic powers to establish the next four:

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