Brad Friedel, thank you for talking exclusively to Sells Goalkeeping Academy about your long and successful career as a professional footballer. In this open and frank interview, Brad tells us about how he started as a professional, his career moves and what his future holds for the experienced 39 year old.

 

 INTERVIEW BRAD FRIEDEL

Q1. Brad, you have had a long and very successful career playing professional football at the highest possible level, both domestically and Internationally. Things could have been so different if it was not for your determination to be a pprofessional footballer in the UK, as you were denied a work permit to play football in the UK three times. You ended up signing for Danish side Brondby on loan from USSF before returning to the USA for the US Cup. You were then sold from your team USSF to Galatasaray for $1.1 Million before moving to Columbus Crew back in the USA. Brad that must have been a huge test for you so early on in your career. How did you cope with it?

 

A.   It was a very testing time as people like Graeme Souness, Kevin Keegan, Peter Reid and Brian Clough all thought I was good enough to play in the UK however red tape stopped me from doing so for Five years.  Good news was there are other very good football clubs in the world and I was fortunate enough to play for then Danish champions Brondby as well as Galatasaray. so although it was difficult it was not the end of the world!

 

 

 

Q2. After your time back in the USA, along came your big move that you had been trying for so many years. In 1997 Liverpool paid Columbus Crew £1.7 Million for you, where you stayed for three years. What is it like to play for a club with the stature of Liverpool?

 

A.   Liverpool is a magnificent club and one I supported from the states growing up.  It was such an honour to have played for them.  Unfortunately the club was in transition and with a change of managers I found myself surplus to requirements at the time.  I wish I settled in more quickly at the beginning as some of my early performances were not as good as the standards I set for myself. I finally became comfortable and my performances improved but the decision for a new keeper had already been made.

 

 

 

Q3. You signed for Lancashire club Blackburn in 2001, where you spent seven years, bringing your international football career to 82 Caps and beginning the amazing premiership consecutive record that to date stands at 265 premier league games. How do you keep going ?

 

A.   I simply try to live my life right.  I owe a lot of my prolonged career to yoga as well as luck with injuries.  I have also been blessed with managers who have understood the need of rest for players my age.

 

 

 

Q4. Aston Villa is now your current club where you have been very successful, earning three years of European Football and a Carling Cup Final against Manchester United, eventually losing 1-0. How has your time been with Villa now your contract is coming to an end at the end of this current season.

 

A.  Villa has been fantastic since I've joined.  The fans made me feel very welcome from day one and the players have as well.  This season, for obvious reasons of our league position, has been difficult but nonetheless I have enjoyed every minute of my time here.

 

 

 

Q5.Brad you have represented your country on 82 occasions. This is an amazing feat and one I am sure you are very proud of. What made you decide to call time on your international career when you are playing so well for your country.?

 

A.   I decided to call time as I had played in Two Olympics and Three World Cups and I wanted to extend my career at club level and the travel is difficult when playing for the US.  The other main reason is I had started a family and with getting a bit older I wanted to spend time with my family as well as rest during the summers and international breaks.

 

 

 

Q6. Over the past couple of years you have been getting more involved in the presenting side of football. Is this something that you are now looking to do, when you eventually hang up your gloves.

 

A.  The presenting is something that may interest me.  I find it very fun to do especially when my old clubs are involved.  I only do it from time to time and until I'm finished playing I won't really know if it is something I want to formally pursue or if even anyone wants me to.

 

 

 

Q7. You are reunited with your old boss Gerrard Houllier. Just recently he has been taken ill which we all wish him a speedy recovery. How is it playing for a previous manager?

 

A.   With regards to Gerard I must first say we all wish him well on a speedy recovery.  As far as playing for an old manager I think it is easier playing for someone you know than playing for someone new as there is already a basis of knowledge between us.  Things have been very good between us since he joined.

 

 

Q8.   Brad can you tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

 i.               What type of music do you like.

A.       Music would be r'n'b and soul however I like classic rock as well.

 

 

ii.             What type of food is your favourite.

A.       Favourite food is grilled fish

 

iii.           Favourite Film

A.        Favourite film is Shawshank Redemption. 

 

iv.            Career Funny moment, either playing a game or at training.

A.        Career funny point is watching Villa Keeper Brad Guzan play keepy up!

 

v.              Career Highlight.

A.        Career highlight is something I hope happens in my next game!

 

vi.            Career Low Point

A.        Career lowlight would be be narrowly losing to Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.  This was also a great achievement for the US but the ref missed a hand ball on the line which would have been a sending off as well with 15 mins left and we lost 1-0.  Could u imagine the US in the semi-finals of a World Cup!

 

 

Q9. We recently interviewed Theo Paphitis from the Dragons Den, as well as several high profile professional keepers and coaches. We asked Theo if he would attend one of our centres for a goalkeeping session. He has accepted our invite. Would you also attend, as a keeper so you could be put through paces by the SGA Team. 

 

A.  Yes i would be very happy to attend this day. It sounds like it could be a very good event.

 

 

 

Brad, thank you for talking exclusively to SGA. We will see you soon attending our academies.