Fan Interview: John O'Brien, April 2002
[Photo: Ajax.nl] |
We collected questions for John O'Brien on our web site
in April 2002. John answered the first set at the end of the
2001-2002 season, and the second set as the 2002-2003 season
was getting underway.
Keith Bundy from Woodbridge, VA asks:
"After moving to The Netherlands, how long did it take you to
become comfortable with the culture and language?"
O'Brien: Two years to really get the language under control.
After about six months I could understand a lot, though.
Getting used to the culture took longer. Or to like the culture
took longer, like three, four years. Getting used to it was
like the first year.
Michael Carlston from Marin, CA asks:
"Looking back, when you first moved to Holland what was the
biggest difference between the players your age there compared
to those in the US?"
O'Brien: Biggest difference was the way they saw the game.
They saw it as a possibility to fulfill their dreams, and all
the weight of the past stood behind it, making it respectable
and intimidating. In the U.S. it's still a game. You try to win
because your competitive but don't know where it's all
heading.
Steven from Ocean City, NJ asks:
"John, you've been away from the country for so long, did you
ever feel home sick? Have you ever thought to play for the MLS
some day? Thanks, good luck always."
O'Brien: I definitely felt homesick. I figure that's natural
so you just deal with it. The MLS is definitely interesting.
I'll keep my eye on it for the next couple years to see how it
develops.
Andy Booden from Virginia asks:
"Where else do you possibly see yourself playing in the
future? Or are you planning on staying in Holland?"
O'Brien: I'd like to play in a bigger league some day.
David Griffiths from Oxford, UK asks:
"Do you realistically think Ajax can challenge for European
honours in the next few years, and are the quality young
players going to stay?"
O'Brien: We can if the quality young players stay, and if
they stay is all up to the accountants and if they can afford
it. And [if the players] aren't tempted by the possible big
transfers.
Bill Bryden from Bocking, UK asks:
"You have appeared in a number of positions this past season.
Which position do you prefer, and which position, if you were
the coach, would you select for yourself?"
O'Brien: Center midfield. Think I need time to play that
level well at Ajax, but a defensive central midfielder who
organizes and sets things up would be best for me.
Jon from San Francisco asks:
"What areas of your game do you think have improved by playing
regular first team (and injury free) football this year?"
O'Brien: Vital experience, and my nerves have calmed because
of that experience. I'm able to think and play under pressure
better. More stability. I've been able to constantly and more
easily get myself focused.
Indra Moeljadi from Geneva, Switzerland asks:
"In your years with Ajax, you experienced quite a lot of
trainers. Which one do you think is the best for yourself and
for Ajax?"
O'Brien: All have been good in different ways and all have
believed in me, so I don't have a bad word to say about any of
them.
Bill Radcliffe from Sandpoint, Idaho asks:
"How rigid is your Ajax system of play? Are you free to go
forward if the situation permits, or are you expected to stay
in your assigned position?"
O'Brien: It's gotten more free in the past year. We are
starting to attack from almost any position, and people are
expected to defend from any position. Modern football.
Part Two: answered September, 2002
Jeff from Las Vegas, Nevada asks:
"Hello, I am sixteen years old, and next to Rafael Van der
Vaart, I look up to you as a role model. How would you
contribute your extra time (if you have any!) to the youth of
the USA in developing the youth of the future? "
O'Brien: I think it would be good to watch a lot of soccer
so a lot of soccer camps with good trainers and watching and
learning from the best players in the world.
Darren Stone from Salem, OR asks:
"How did it feel to go to your first World Cup?"
O'Brien: Great. You really feel like everything and
everybody in the world is focused on you.
Jason from Austin asks:
"What position do you prefer to play on the national
side?"
O'Brien: Central midfield.
Jay from Vallejo, CA asks:
"You said after the Italy friendly that the U.S. seemed to
lack a "killer instinct." Has your time at Ajax helped you
develop your own killer instinct? And did the US team find the
killer instinct during their great run through the tournament
in Japan/Korea? "
O'Brien: It's helped me recognize a killer instinct (Italy's
specialty) and I think we learned to get the most out of a game
possible, Germany excluded.
Big Dog from NY asks:
"What do you think of Sam's Army?"
O'Brien: Rockin! It's good to see enthusiastic and sometimes
over-the-top supporters.
Chris from Walnut Creek, CA asks:
"Did your performance at the World Cup change things for you
at Ajax? What was the impact of the USA's success on your
status at your club team?"
O'Brien: It did the club well to have someone play well and
be successful at the World cup, since the dutch team didn't
participate.
Jim McGough asks:
"The Dutch press are tipping Ajax as favorites to repeat as
champions. Does that have an impact, positive or negative, on
the mentality of the team?"
O'Brien: Expectations are always negative. Hope is better. I
don't think it's affecting us much so far. We've been able to
feel free on the pitch and off, so the mentality and atmosphere
is good.
