8/8 News

[xlyte]

listen to the archive

should be the right url but can't test as i am at uni without headphones ><

[AreliusIV]

Checketts says RSL still without a stadium plan, sets Saturday deadline

[AreliusIV]

Notes from Press Conference, Grand America, Tuesday, Aug. 8

In attendance:
Roberto Carlos
Raul
Fabio Capello
Dave Checketts
Dean Howes
Steve Pastorino

Dave Checketts:
What a week we are about to have.
Welcome to RM.
A dream come true.
I hope that you will go away from here with a wonderful memory (not including a victory).
Last year's world cup qualifier was a test to see if SLC would embrace soccer.
That match was the preamble for this one.
This is a major league town.
The response to the qualifier is direct evidence of that.
About two years ago, Dave travelled to Madrid to commence this process.
"I can sense the buzz around town. I can't imagine what it will be like Saturday night."

Dean Howes:
His voice and intonation is suspiciously similar to Dave Checketts'.
RM epitomizes what a sports franchise should be.
As a sign of gratitude to them, RSL has dedicated 500 tickets to the youth of Utah and Salt Lake Counties to Saturday's match.

Pastorino:
(in Spanish)
As a young soccer nation, we hope to represent USA well.

Q&A:
Where did the name Real Salt Lake come from?
Checketts: It came from Real Madrid. Before Dave joined the Knicks, he spent time in Madrid and other European cities trying to export the NBA. He came to ask himself how he could import soccer to the US.

For many RSL players, this is the match of their lives. What is the expectation of the RM players?
Raul: For us, there is no such thing as a friendly.

How well will RM do this year in La Liga and the Champions League?
Raul: We have a new coach who wants to win.

Congratulations on bringing RM to Utah. What other events of this magnitude do you have in store for Utah?
Dave C.: We want to create a culture that appreciates how small the world has become. We are in discussions with possibilities; i.e., Our team trainings in their facilities, their team coming again, even a soccer academy...
As for other events, we would like to bring other world clubs here, but we hope to bring RM every other year.

How long does it take for the players to get back in shape for La Liga:
Roberto C.: We took a little time off for vacation and have been training in Austria. We will continue to work hard to win the titles.

How do you see the level of soccer in the US? Do you see the possibility of playing in the US some day?
Capello: Soccer is getting better and better in the US. (By the way, his Spanish is impeccable)
Raul: Anything is possible. I think Roberto is closer to that time than I.
Roberto C.: I would like to put an academy here.

I imagine this is all business for you, training for your upcoming season, etc.
Capello: We are going to take the game very seriously. We will train each day prior to the game.
Checketts: Just like the rest of the world was behind the NBA in basketball and now has come up to our level, so the US is behind the rest of the world in soccer but will soon catch up to their level.

What does it mean for you to put on the RM jersey?
Raul: Everyone wants to play at RM. Its a honor to play at RM.

What other stars came with the team? How has the style of play changed over time?
Capello: Everyone has come that could come. Players become accustomed to the style of the coaches.

[montgjules]

Thanks for the notes, Arelius. The newspapers seemed to focus solely on the stadium deadline and left out some other interesting tidbits.