Friedel considers int'l retirement

[BuffloSoldier]

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/lancashire/rovers/sport/ROVERS1.html

"I haven't decided fully what I'm going to do about my international career as yet," said Friedel, speaking exclusively to the Evening Telegraph.

"I'm of a different mode than some players in that I know who pays my wages and who I need to show my loyalty to.

"I've obviously been incredibly loyal to my country as well over the years but we'll just have to see how it pans out."

"I've also got a young family now and some things are a lot more important than football."

[onefineesq]

Let's see how long it takes the idiots to show up and complain that his family is being selfish, much like people did when a similar thread popped up a week or two ago. :rolleyes:

P.S. Isn't that comment about loyalty a nice little jab at some "other" player(s) who might need to get that same message. lol

[CbR]

if someone like nick ramando was our 2nd option behind him i'd be worried

[TAKK]

P.S. Isn't that comment about loyalty a nice little jab at some "other" player(s) who might need to get that same message. lol


I'm sure I'm missing something here. It's me...not you.

Do you mean players on the US Team? Blackburn? Any one player in particular, or is it a general statement?

Sorry, don't get it. Me smart not...can please u esplain to me?

...or am I reading more into this? Thanks.

[Diakonov]

While I'd be dissappointed if he retires from international duty, it's his life and I wouldn't hold it against him. He's been a great goalkeeper for us over the years and if he wants to spend more time with his family, more power to him.

[ripmstr]

"I'm of a different mode than some players in that I know who pays my wages and who I need to show my loyalty to."

This club vs country is starting to heat up and it could gets ugly before it gets better.

Is Brad choosing club over country?

Was he asked to come to camp this week and declined?
(I have read BA comments but he may not want to nake a big deal right now but in the future could be interesting.)


What if this were Landon or Beasley or Boca or Pope......

[MJ 19]

Is it just me, or does anyone feel that Friedel never really connected with the guys on the National Team, with Bruce, and with US Soccer? I almost felt like he had this air about him that was so much better because of his European experience.

I for one think Brad is a great keeper, no one can argue that, but I really felt like if he wasn't chosen as the starting keeper in '02, we would have had some chemistry issues.

[onefineesq]

I'm sure I'm missing something here. It's me...not you.

Do you mean players on the US Team? Blackburn? Any one player in particular, or is it a general statement?

Sorry, don't get it. Me smart not...can please u esplain to me?

...or am I reading more into this? Thanks.

national teamers. usa. who need to ride off into the sunset. no more play for USA. getting old. need to focus on clubs. refuse to step aside. will not name names. lol

[LeperKhan]

"I'm of a different mode than some players in that I know who pays my wages and who I need to show my loyalty to."

This club vs country is starting to heat up and it could gets ugly before it gets better.

Is Brad choosing club over country?


Personally, I don't read anything more into it than just Brad tailoring his message to his audience. He's talking to the local Blackburn area press, so he obviously can make a better impression there by talking about knowing who pays his wages, how important the club is, etc.

[DamonEsquire]

In agreement, Mr. Friedel looked swell in The World Cup Finals. He was pick for All-Tournement Team by myself. A german victory and it slotted another one in position. Yes, he gave up two to Team Portugal. Three found net from Team Poland. If we went deeper into tourney, he would have been it. Only other opponet for him... Team Brazil

We very rarley see youngster in net. 20-25 yrs. hold toughness. Goalies make transition from here. 25-30 yrs. can be it. If this is true, he is in the right of things. Team U.S.A. has others for replacement.

[Diakonov]

Is it just me, or does anyone feel that Friedel never really connected with the guys on the National Team, with Bruce, and with US Soccer? I almost felt like he had this air about him that was so much better because of his European experience.

I always thought that as well. It kind of seemed like Friedel over on one side and the rest of the team on the other. He just didn't seem to fit in, nor seemed very friendly with the other players. Maybe its his crazy half-breed english accent. :)

[Bambule GK]

national teamers. usa. who need to ride off into the sunset. no more play for USA. getting old. need to focus on clubs. refuse to step aside. will not name names. lol

When did you and TAKK decide to start this Yoda appreciation club?

[ghostofcryuff]

Jeezus folks, players are doing this all over the show, younger than Friedel even. I wish more US players would retire, Hejduk, Armas, Pope, Jones etc etc.

[prk166]

I love Friedel but I don't think I'd refer to the last 12 years as being glorious like the newspaper does.

[TOTC]

I don't think this is a Bruce Arena vs. Brad Friedel thing.

Bruce pulled a NASCAR, in that he is lobbying for changes within FIFA or MLS in order to lessen club-country conflicts. It's done all the time.

[Wahoo]

First I'll say... hey the person who wrote last week that Brad may retire from international play was on the money! Yes it was a rumor, but this backs up his story... so if he's around... kudos to him.

Second, I hope Brad reconsiders. Yes it can take it's toll, but I hope he reconsiders because he's the only of our primary keepers that is actually playing regularly and with confidence... and is younger than Keller.

However, if he is ready to step off the team, I will support him completely, and maybe it will help others to do the same.

To date, I don't think any other USA player has won the accolades he has (being named EPL top keeper 1 year and his play that helped the USA advance in the 2002 World Cup).

[Bambule GK]

Ok, here's the thing:


*Yawn*


This type of discussion is a constant for Euro players at his age. It's just part of the ritual, especially when you haven't been called into camp. Reporters see that and ask the question. Maturing players say, "yeah, I'm considering dropping out."

Guys "retire" and "unretire" all the time. Big whoop.

Brad is "considering" retirement. So. I'm "considering" opening a bagel shop on Huahine.

And, finally, a someone else pointed out, it's not like we don't have 2-5 keepers that could step in today and do anywhere from the same to passable.

(and no, Segroves, I'm not attempting to elicit a Bill Brasky post.)

[superdave]

The article says he used to play for Newcastle.

When?

[B Rock]

IMO his retirement would hurt more than many want to admit. Keller looks SLC bound after this season with Spurs and Howard is in the abyss with Manchester United and I wouldn't be suprised, with Carrol out of contract this summer, if Man U makes a move for one of the rated young European keepers like Frey from Parma.

So if Friedel would retire we might well be faced with the choice of a MLS keeper or a backup for Manchester. Certainly not a disaster, but at the same time not quite the strength of keeper many of us were crowing about a year ago. Even domestically we seem to have taken a step back with Jon Busch being the best MLS keeper for my money, and he isn't a viable international option because of his height.

Friedel has earned this choice and right, and I doubt any Nats fan would hold it against him. But we certainly would miss him.

[Wahoo]

The article was a little off...

Brad was signed by Newcastle... or they tried to sign him.
After the 1994 season, Newcastle was set to sign him but Brad's work permit was rejected. As a result, Brad moved onto Brondby and played the final part of the season there (10 games or so).

The next year he moved to Galatasary with Souness.

Edited to add...
Or maybe the writer just assumes that since Souness wanted Brad at Liverpool, then had him with Galatasaray and Blackburn... that Brad would soon be heading over to Newcastle United. :)