I'm kind of a big deal in Europe....

As the Toja drama has unfolded, I was contacted by one of the Steaua supporters/amateur journalist (kind of like me, only much more dedicated). You can see some of her posts on this site here (asking about Toja).

We talked a bit through email and she asked me some questions about Toja, which she posted on her site, which then was picked up by a larger site (in Romania). I'll find the atual posts and will put the link, or at least the content, on here once I find it (the translations back to English are quite funny).

Here are her questions and, more importantly (of course), my responses.


1. Chris, at first tell me what do yo know about Romania.
I do not know much about Romania. I know it is a fairly large country in eastern Europe that used to be part of the "eastern block" of communist countries. I think you are located on the Black Sea? I'm sorry - it has been a long time since I took world geography or world history! I have been out of school for a while!

2. Have you heard until now about the romanian league?
I have heard of the Romanian football league, but the only team I really know by name is your club, Steaua Bucharest (in English we call it "Star" Bucharest). I don't know about any players that are in your league - but I have a tough time keeping up with European football, so I really only am able to keep up with most of the "stars" in Europe to know where they play (Thierry Henry is my favorite player, for example, and I know he plays at FC Barcelona - at least for now!)

3. Do ypu know something about Steaua?
I know that Steaua makes it to the Champion's League and other tournaments occasionally - but until this talk with Toja I did not know much else about the team. If Toja signs I will become a VERY big supporter of Steaua!

4. How`s about Toja. What can you tell me about him?
Toja seems like a VERY nice man. I have met him a few time at fan functions after the FC Dallas games. He is always willing to take a photo or have a chat with you. I have heard from other people that he likes to go out at night to visit some of our night clubs and bars, but he's young, so who can blame him? And the places he has been seen are very nice places so he is not out at any crazy locations doing stupid things. When he arrived he only spoke spanish, but he very quickly tried to learn english so he could fit in with his teammates (although many speak spanish), as well as being able to fit in with the fans.

5. Few days ago here was a rumor that Toja have problems with marijuana. Is it real?
Who can say? I have not heard that rumor - but to be honest, it would not surprise me. Many people his age try marijuana. I don't know enough about him to say that "yes, he would do it", or "no he would not." I would hope that he does not do it though.

6. What Toja means for your team?
Toja is the heart of this team. He is not necessarily the leader, but the team revolves around him. If he plays well, the team plays well. If he has a bad game, it usually reflects in the rest of the team. This season we changed our formation - it all revolved around Toja. He did not play well at the beginning and we suffered because of it. If he does leave it will be a HUGE loss for our team. He is well loved by the players, i think, and is CERTAINLY a favorite of the fans. Last season they had "Toja Wig Night", where they handed out fake "Toja Wigs" that looked like his hair - he wears his hair long, which most people here do not. It was a very fun event and Toja seemed to have a good time with it. I even have my picture with him while I am wearing the wig! I will try to find that and will send it to you.

7. What do you advice Toja about a transfer at Steaua?
To Toja: Play hard - the way you are capable of playing. Stay fit, and stay healthy - these seem to have kept you back this year. The people like the way you play because you are smart, skillful, and creative, and also you try very hard to defend. I saw you many times break up a play in the defensive side, and go all the way down, creating opportunities at the other end, in the same play. Do that, and you will continue to do well. Oh, also - practice with your right foot! Your left is good, but your right... just keep practicing :)

8. Do you think that his coming at Steaua will be good for his future?
I think so, if he is able to get time with the first team. If he is sitting on the bench then he would be better off back over here where he is playing and getting better. But if he plays with the first team, and has a chance to play in some of the large tournaments, or win a championship in Romania with Steaua, then yes, of course it will be good for his future. Other clubs in other leagues will see him and will want him. He is a quality player, capable of playing in ANY of the best leagues in Europe - Spain, England, Italy, Germany. But if he goes to Steaua and does not play - then no, this is not the right move.

I was afraid of that.....

"Go get your own!"

**sigh**

We all knew it would not be long before Toja got some attention from overseas, but I had secretly hoped that people really wouldn't pay that much attention to him. So much for that.

It does appear that Juan will be headed overseas, sooner rather than later, and really that is the best thing for him - most players want to go play in Europe if they can.

Hopefully he's ours to enjoy for a little while longer at least.

Will the real Toja please stand up...

Wow. Juan has been pretty lousy lately. To quote the gambling superstar Charles Barkley (doing my best Frank Caliendo impersonation), he's been "terrible."

There have been quite a few posts on other sites talking about Juan's lack of form. Some wonder if last season was out of character and we're seeing the real Juan now. I doubt it. He was way too good last year for that to have been an anomaly.

I wonder if his injuries have been worse than he's let on? Maybe he recovers slowly? Or maybe his head's just not right?

One thing's for sure - his form has been off and the team has suffered because of it. I hope he breaks out of this slump soon, or this is going to be a looooooong, terrible, summer...

Maybe they didn't like his green uniform?

So, for those of you that were at the game or watched it online on Saturday you witnessed one of the reasons why some of my none footie friends tease me for being a soccer fan. This is the sport that was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, right?

I'm quite glad my son wasn't at the game with us. You see, he's at the age where he likes to repeat things that he sees and hears. We're on full radio alert in the car, making sure we sing over the top of the words that 5 year olds probably shouldn't hear, explaining that no, that man on t.v. was trying to wave "hi" to the other man and he accidentally hit him, etc... Seeing soccer players attack the Lucky Charm leprechaun would probably have made a lasting impression on him.

During my soccer career I've had the opportunity to witness varying degrees of officiating. I've seen some very good referees and some really, really, really bad ones. I actually got a red card in a game for backheeling a ball between a players legs - all because I made sure not to slide tackle and risk getting a penalty kick called against me (I'd seen this referee before, and he was notorious for trying to steal the spotlight).... Yet, I never had the urge to hit him. I called him all sorts of versions of "moron", but hit him? Are you kidding? My point here is that, yes, the referee on Saturday was TERRIBLE - but worthy of assault and battery?

I know this post doesn't really have much to do with Juan garnering MVP votes (hey, it's still pre-season), but I've got a laptop and I know how to use it!

I'll put the soap box away, but just couldn't resist the chance to comment on that incredibly bizarre scenario on Saturday.

See you this weekend! Let the games begin!!!

Cliche Alert......... He's baaaaack

Good to see Juan in the pre-season match against CAP on Saturday. It'll be nice to see him play a full 90. I'm interested to see how he plays alongside Rocha, if that is in fact the plan.

Let the MVP campaign begin!!!!

Bull Writing

As some of you may know, there is a new supporter group starting up this year (okay, they officially debuted at the end of last season), and they've asked yours truly to be a contributor. Take a look at www.los-toros.com for an additional source of FCD and soccer greatness and a link to my little tribute site.

Shaking off the rust....

Ahhh, spring time. My son's U5 city league team started their season a few weeks back (Go Pirates!), FCD is down in Brazil, and my Over 30 team can't get a game in to save our lives (See related 3rd degree post by Peter Welpton, here: http://www.3rddegree.net/2008/03/phps-fields-are-looking-pretty-rough/)

Man I could use a trip to the beach......

The best part of spring, of course, is the return of the MLS season. The European leagues are in their final stretches (for the most part), just when we get started. Perfect timing. With the return of said MLS season comes my continued quest to get some MVP love for our man Juan. Or at least a chance for me to stream about whatever is on my soccer mind at the moment.

Looking forward to another season? Good - me too. And I'm also looking forward to some pre/post game libations at the new Irish pub ---- good times!

See you Saturday!