Brian McBride, is a name in American soccer that everyone knows. He has played at all levels of the game. He represented his country in three World Cups and the only USA player to ever score in two World Cups. His clubs include The Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, FC Wolfsburg in Germany, Preston NE, England (Loan), Everton, England (Loan) and now he plays for Fulham FC in the English Premier League where he has recently been appointed as the club captain. Brian currently is sidelined and recovering with an knee injury.
1. PSG International: Brian, first, how is the injury and when do you expect to be back playing?
Brian McBride: The injury is getting better, albeit slowly right now, but I should be back playing anywhere from 4 to 6 Months.
2. PSG International: Fulham has made a lively start to the season. A late loss to Arsenal must have been a disappointment as Fulham seemed to be there to attack and take the game to Arsenal. Most teams playing Arsenal at The Emirates will play 4-5-1 with the hope getting a point with a draw. Do you feel that Fulham this season have the players to continue with this philosophy of attacking football?
Brian McBride: I don't think our style at the moment is just about attacking. But one thing the manager has stressed is playing as a team. The 4-4-2 is a very tradition line up as most people know. For us it has more to do with all the players having a greater understanding of their jobs. When that is accomplished teams seem to adjust better during games and we aren't any different. Then allowing us to attack better, but more importantly defend better.
3. PSG International: For the coming Premiership season, there appears to be a number of teams that may surprise a few people. Who do you expect to be the surprise teams pushing for European competition in the next season?
Brian McBride: This off season has been a crazy one. It seems that every team has put a large emphasis on purchasing players. There has been a huge influx of money from the new TV deal, which in turn allows each owner to invest in new players. So, I do think its going to be very interesting year, that is bound to have a few surprises.
4. PSG International: Most, if not all teams in England play a zonal back four. They will press and challenge forwards, denying space and time on the ball. What do you feel the skills that are needed for a forward to be successful in playing in the Premiership?
Brian McBride: In a word Confidence. I think its pretty obvious that every player in the league is talented (yes, some more than others), but when a player is confident then he is going to feel comfortable using his ability that he has. As for the skills that are required to be a forward are the same in any league. Its just in the Premership you prbably have to use them more quickly and efficently.
5. PSG International: You played with David Healy at Preston. You have teamed up with a number of forwards throughout your time. What will be the roles for you and David (this season) as forwards and how do you expect to relate to each other on the field?
Brian McBride: I think both David and Joe are going to be great additions to Fulham. But since you just asked about David. David plays with great energy and love for the game. He is a great striker of the ball, and puts himself in great positions to score goals, and help the team. One of the best things about David is he is always talking to the other forward. So when the other forward gets the ball to his feet, he knows where David is just by the sound of his voice. That makes linking up with a player a whole lot easier.
6. PSG International: You have played at many different levels of the game. Also in three different countries. How does the training (on a daily basis) in England differ from that in The MLS in terms of the coaching methods and structure of the training sessions?
Brian McBride: Trainings are actually much easier in England than in MLS. They do it because the season is so long, and there are so many games. So, staying fit and sharp is eaiser to do.
7. PSG International: The season in England requires teams and players to play many games over the course of the year. Once the season gets going what amount of time do players spend on the training field and does the intensity of training diminish as the season moves along?
Brian McBride: I guess I touched on most of the question in my previous answer. But, the intensity of trainings are always high. Just the length of them are shorter. And then we usually have two days off a week. In MLS most teams only get one day off.
8. PSG International: As a player at 35 years of age, it is obviously key to look after yourself. Nowadays, there are many alternative methods that player’s as using to keep in shape and add variety to training routines. What methods outside of normal training do you use to keep in shape?
Brian McBride: During the season I don't have to do anything extra. In the off season I just have to make sure I don't let my self have to much rest. So my fitness levels don't drop that much.
9. PSG International: As a forward what type of training (group or individual) do you do at Fulham that is specific to the role you play within the team?
Brian McBride: Our fitness guy at Fulham has the forwards do specific running after trainings if he feels we need top ups. Other than that, its more to do with making sure you get as much shooting as possible. Fine tuning your timing of runs into the box and making sure your seeing the ball well.
10. PSG International: How much time do you (and the coaches at Fulham) spend on analysis of opponents. Is this done in a team environment and /or individual basis. How in depth does this type of analysis?
Brian McBride: All the analysis is done by the Coaching Staff. They have a specific AV department that puts all the games onto computer hard drives. That makes it easier for the coaches to pick which edits they want to use. Its all very high tech. They even have a system that tracks how much a player runs and touches the ball. I could go on and on.
11. PSG International: What have been the highlights of your playing career? And looking back what were the ‘pivotal moments’ that pushed your career along the course of success?
Brian McBride: I think this question would take a lot of thought and time to answer.
Since I haven't thought about those things yet. I am going to wait untill I am finished playing before I take an indepth look back. So, I will let you know in about 5 years........Maybe earlier, but hopefully not much.
Thank You, Brian McBride
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