Sigi Schmid talked to the Seattle football media this morning on a call beginning 9am.
Photo: Melissa Brassard ECS
Schmid did bring a short update about the German midfielder’s injury status but on two occasions refered the matter to Hanauer’s department, which would surely not be the case if only matters of fitness and team selection were being considered.
This strongly suggests he may be moving as Schmid would have not referred fitness issues to GM Hanauer.
On a conference call earlier in the week, Hanauer revealed that the club were still looking at DPs although Shalrie Joseph’s addition brought their complement up to three.
He elaborated that the club could buy out an existing DP contract any time before March 2 and reclaim the DP slot. Vancouver Whitecaps mutually terminated Barry Robson’s contract and Blaie Nkufo’s departure from Seattle was revealed to the press as they arrived at the match on opening day.
Schmid also revealed today that the coaches weighed the advantages of winning a trophy in the Desert Diamond Cup against preparing for Tigres in the CONCACAF Cup by playing their best XI versus Veracruz.
Among the other subjects covered were:
Injury update, Ruiz, starting XI, Martinez, Will Bates, Christian Tiffert, Djimi Traore
Paraphrased Summary:
Adam Johannson is still out for both games with a knee strain not serious. Eddie Johnson will play tonight for about 60. Shalrie won’t play either game (calf).
He had interest with Carlos Ruiz but cap space was an issue. Sigi wished him all the best at DC United except when he plays against Seattle.
He is close to starting XI. Injuries will play a role. Looking at Alonso and Burch being out for opener affects that and Tigres line up. Wants to see EJ and Rosales together tonight.
Mario Martinez is a quality player. Players now know him. He is in good form. Played most 90 minute games. Fitness and sharpness is good. He’s different to Mauro and Steve.
Ianni may start season on injured list. Evaluation will be done when back in Seattle. Decision by Wednesday. No hurry to make call before weekend.
They can keep Will Bates around without signing him. Yesterday was his first day of participation. Hoping no setbacks. Looking for all clear in the next week.
Always nice to win silverware. We debated that as a coaching staff to play first team to win this thing or save them for the match against Veracruz. Decided to stay with the plan to lose the battle but win the war. If we win trophy with reserves, that would be great.
No update on Tiffert. Things being discussed. A better question for Adrian. He’s training on his own. Seems to be doing alright. His future is in another phase where Adrian deals with it.
Club is close on signing Djimi Traore. Schmid is positive about it.
February 22, 2013 at 12:17 pm
“Schmid also revealed today that the coaches weighed the advantages of winning a trophy in the Desert Diamond Cup against preparing for Tigres in the CONCACAF Cup by playing their best XI versus Veracruz.”
Is he serious? He had to be having a laugh. If he isn’t having a laugh Adrian may want to reconsider who is managing his team.
February 22, 2013 at 12:42 pm
He said they discussed it. It seems like a reasonable thing for them to talk about when discussing the line ups for two games in two days.
February 22, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Assuming CT gets his DP bought out before March 2, is that the only DP we can off load all year? I don’t see SJ as a full season DP, but I’m not sure how we could maneuver around that as I’m not all that familiar with the details of MLS rules/regs. If the window for DP buyouts closes next week, can we offload one DP and get another in the summer transfer window, or will we be locked into the two we have plus whomever gets picked up next?