As a footballer, Claudio Reyna did it all, playing in four World Cups, the Olympics and the Champions League, but his playing career started and finished in New Jersey – so who better to preview his old team's chances in the 2011 MLS?
The serious stuff starts for Red Bull New York as they prepare to face Seattle Sounders at the Red Bull Arena this weekend. What chance do the team have of bringing home the MLS Cup to Harrison this year?
"I think they have a big chance of success this year, but the MLS is always a very even and tough league. Rosters change from year to year and keep changing throughout the season, so it will be interesting to see what becomes Red Bull’s strongest team. I like the look of some of the players the team has brought in. Aside from the big names, there are plenty of other good players in the squad. For Red Bull to win the title this year, it’s going to take a little bit of luck but the team is definitely in a position to challenge for top honours."
Out of the current Red Bull New York squad, who would you enjoy playing alongside?
"The obvious ones would be Thierry [Henry] and Rafa [Marquez], they both have so much experience of the top level and are very smart soccer players. Red Bull also have a good group of young players with lots of potential. For example, one more good season could really see Tim Ream pushing for a place in the US backline. I also remember playing with Dane [Richards] and it’s great to see him doing well with the Jamaican national team."
"The young internationals at Red Bull New York have obviously got the quality."
What advice would you give to young stars such as Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream?
"I think guys at that early stage of their careers have to understand what it means to be a professional and how to fulfil their potential. I think both Juan and Tim are learning these things now. It’s important to remain humble, work hard and strive for that consistency. The young internationals at Red Bull New York have obviously got the quality, what needs to happen now is adding the extra pieces which will determine if they can make it to that next level."
As a New Jersey native, you must be pleased at how the Red Bull set-up encourages local talent?
"I think the New Jersey area is a real hotbed of soccer talent, there are players who have gone on from the area to play for both the men and women’s national teams. And with Red Bull home games and international football being played at the Red Bull Arena, we have soccer all year round, right here in New Jersey."
What were your personal career highlights?
"Representing the national team was an honour and getting the chance to play in World Cups and the Olympics far exceeded my expectations. I played in the Champions League with Rangers and won championships there. Afterwards, I got to play in the English Premier League - I still follow the results of Manchester City and Sunderland. I will have ties with Great Britain forever because my children were born there and I made so many friends."
You’ve played in Manchester and Old Firm derbies, so how do you rate the passion and pride of the South Ward for derby games?
"I think the work of the supporters’ group in the South Ward is great and I hope more fans follow their lead. Personally, I think a key ingredient to increasing a fanbase is to have some proper rivalries and having Philadelphia nearby is helping Red Bull fans to create their own identity. Now the Red Bull Arena is in place, it’s important to generate an atmosphere."
Another place they love their football is down in Argentina, what can you tell us about your connection with the land of Tango?
"My father Miguel was born in Argentina and played professionally there. He was very influential in introducing me to soccer because he couldn’t really teach me any of the American sports. Before I could even walk, he had a soccer ball at my feet. My dad still watches all the Argentinian soccer he can on television and also goes to the stadiums when he takes trips home. When I was 14, I spent a summer in Buenos Aires, I stayed with my grandma and trained with the Independiente youth team when my friend Javier Zanetti was also there. My second cousin is Juan Jose Lopez, who is currently the head coach of River Plate, so I still follow the game down there to this day."
Comments
Add a comment