Interview with Chris Greatwich

Interview with Chris Greatwich

Rick: What has kept you busy in the past year? Were you able to play competitive football/soccer in the US? How did you team do over there?

Chris: I have been so busy coaching here in the US- all of my teams have had hugely successful seasons- especially in the summer when my U-20 team won its conference and my U-16 won a few big tournaments. This unfortunately kept me out of World Cup Qualifiers but I hope to be back in the frame again.

Rick: Have you followed all the matches of the national side in your absence? What do you think of the changes and their performance?

Chris: It was strange not being part of the team as I have hardly missed a tournament in six years. Obviously, Simon was playing so that kept the family interest going and seeing some of the new guys come in looked encouraging. I think we have a nucleus of a strong squad now so the future looks bright. We obviously won a few games and lost a few but let's see how things transpire. I'm not too quick to judge especially with a team trying to evolve with new ideas and a new coach.

Rick: Did you ever think that the local football scene would get this big?

Chris: Honestly - no. We'd go to Thailand, Singapore and see their players heralded by their fans. Only really in Bacolod and IloIlo were we celebrated in the Philippines. Now it has all changed. I hope that it doesn't detract from the football field and it doesn't become a novelty. Similarly, I hope players who come in realize how far it is a come in short a short period of time and continue to push the game forward and not be overly concerned with the celebrity element of playing for the Azkals which I sometimes see and I think it is alarming. We don't want this to become a circus.

Rick:  Are you playing in the Galaxy match? If so, how do you feel about putting on the national jersey now and against LA no less?

Chris: I hope to feature in the game but that is down to the coach’s selection. All I can do is train hard and show him what I can do.

Rick: You being a Tottenham fan, what do you think of David Beckham?

Chris: I was at the game when DB scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon. I was only about 13 at the time, and my whole family was just amazed that he did that. He has obviously gone on to be a huge footballing icon- it would be an honor to grace the same field as him should I get the chance- a real ambassador for football all over the world.