Q&A with Alexi Lalas
December 9, 2005
With a lot of player news popping out in the press, MetroFanatic did a short Q&A session with Alexi Lalas. Although none of his answers are earth-shattering, there are some interesting tidbits in there which could hint at the direction Metro is taking.
MetroFanatic: It was reported that the contracts of Chris Leitch, Mark Lisi, and Sergio Galvan Rey were not renewed. Are these the only three, or is the list longer (if it is, who is on it)?
Alexi Lalas: We did not exercise the options on several players, but I can't discuss individuals. In general, these decisions usually have to do with salary cap issues.
MF: Since you can't list any non-renewed individuals, what are the chances of the three names mentioned in the press (Leitch, Lisi, Galvan Rey) returning?
AL: We'd love to have Sergio back, but he is exploring other options. We hope to have Chris and Mark back, but there is interest from others teams for these players.
MF: Was Jon Conway acquired as a replacement for Zach Wells, or as competition for him? Do you expect Wells back next year?
AL: Jon Conway was brought in to challenge Zack and Tony for the starting goalkeeper position. We will probably not carry three senior-roster goalkeepers next year.
MF: What is the status of Ante Razov? Are the Metros willing to keep him with the reported salary hike he is supposed to be getting?
AL: We'd like to have Ante back, but nobody is untouchable. If there is a trade that we feel improves this team, we'll make it.
MF: It was reported that Youri Djorkaeff was going to make up his decision possibly this week. Is there any timetable on that?
AL: No timetable on Youri, but we have no indication that he won't be back.
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