January 23rd, 2009 . 1:53 pm . By: Buzz Carrick

Yesterday after the first session Steve Hunt and myself, the two media around that morning, did the usual Q&A with coach Hyndman.  I usually include some of it in the practice observations, but because of time constraints I wasn’t able to.  So here it is today with Buzz’s coach speak translator (as usual don’t forget those are a bit, I don’t speak for the coach).

What’s the status for search for a #10?

We’re still working on it. We had a few options and as the days go by, those options are getting less and less because of them being picked up by someone else. We’re hoping to get a No. 10. But if we’re not able to get a No. 10, we’re going to keep looking out until the next window.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  A #10?  We don’t need no stinking #10.

What level of player are you looking for in a #10?

I think for this team, we’re looking for a difference maker, a player that would probably be recognized in the international market. At what level? It’s coming down to finances and negotiations. [Sometimes] the final pieces don’t fit into our list.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  If he’s to good, he’s to expensive.

Is Ze Roberto one of them?

No, Ze Roberto didn’t make the cut.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  Cha ching!

What’s the latest on Dax McCarty?

Dax had basically requested a transfer. So we’re trying to do everything we can to help that transfer. There has to be a value to Dax and if there’s no value to him, it would be real easy. We’re hoping to meet his request. But if not, he will be back.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  He’s still in Florida, but sometime soon he will be with us.

What would McCarty need to do to not just get back here, but to be a contributing member of the squad?

I think first of all, it’s got to be a mental adjustment. He has to change his mindset and be on good behavior like any other player.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  You got to hop on the bus, Gus.  Make a new plan, Stan.

How’s Ricchetti’s attitude, demeanor, and work been this spring since he asked for a new deal or a trade?

Everything is great. I think Pablo has been fantastic. I think I’m a person of good empathy. I feel for people and know what he’s going through. But at the same time, it’s not in my job description to be involved in contracts. I do understand he’s under contract. He was a valuable player for us last year and had a good year. But at the same time, the team didn’t have a good year and didn’t get into the playoffs. I think he likes Dallas, this team and the ownership. To leave that would have been a mistake on his part but he had to make that decision. He’s really glad to be here and will do everything he possibly can to find success for the team.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  He’s the best. I’m making him captain.

What do you look for in a captain? Would it be fair to say Ricchetti fits what you are looking for?

Yes, I think so. I think he would be one of the players. I think it’s somebody who has to have the leadership qualities that the team will look at and say that they respect this guy. He’s not only telling us what we should be doing, he’s doing it himself. He has to be a person of influence, who can have influence on a player that is disgruntled to look at things in a positive mentality. He also has to be someone the coach can trust to say the right things when the coach isn’t around. It’s somebody who will take the place of the coach on the field and have the respect of their teammates. I think we have three people who can fill those qualities.”

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  I just said I’m making him captain didn’t I?

Shriver is finishing school rather than reporting, what do you think in general of a player finishing school over reporting?

I will never say that a kid is making a bad decision by finishing school, not after spending 31 years at the collegiate level. I think Brian would have helped himself a lot coming in. We drafted him with the idea that he was going to be here. When he wanted to do the schooling, I couldn’t say that was a bad decision. We want to bring him in a few times. We’re going to be bringing him in for Spring Break and doing a number of things with him. It’s important that we evaluate him compared to a player that we cut. I think he’s going to play with a team there called the [Carolina] RailHawks. So he’s going to still be quite sharp. But you don’t want a kid to give up his education in his last semester.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  Don’t be a fool! Stay in School!

How’s Steve Purdy doing so far?

I did a crash course with him yesterday because he didn’t train in the morning, but he did train in the evening. He looked pretty good and that was after testing at Michael Johnson Center. Today, I thought he looked better and a little bit fresher. He’s a big boy and really has some good soccer sense. He puts himself in the right position when the opposition is receiving the ball. He’s hard to beat and has quick feet. Right now, I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  I hammered the kid and he’s holding up.

Did you get a recommendation on Purdy from Cal’s Kevin Grimes?

We played Cal when Purdy was a senior. We were able to beat them 1-0 here in Dallas and I made a comment to Kevin that he was their best player and he agreed with me. Then, all of a sudden, LA drafts him and he decides to go to (Munich) 1860 in Germany. He went over there for two years but was never quite good enough to be a starter for them. He picked up an injury that slowed him down. He’s been captaining the reserve team in training in a good environment. Kevin hadn’t seen him for two years but told me that I would like him because he was my kind of player. He can defend, is quick, athletic, has a good soccer mind and can distribute the ball. With those types of recommendations, we were waiting for his rights to expire. At 12:01 that morning, we put in a discovery on him.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator:  Grimes gave me the hook up and we caught everyone with their pants down.

What’s the status of Saragosa’s green card and Rocha’s visa.

“The good news is that yesterday, Marcelo got his green card. So, we’re really happy about that. He was very excited and will try to be back by Saturday. His timeline has moved up because he got his green card earlier than expected. The last Andre heard from us was when we gave him a sheet of paper saying that we were starting on the 29th. We’ve tried to make contact with him in Brazil but have never been able to touch bases with him. Finally, when we did, he thought we came back on the 29th. More than likely, he’ll get in on the 27th or 28th. They’ll both have some work to do to get caught up with us.

Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: Apparently they don’t have phones where Rocha lives.  Or so my people tell me.

Categories: News.

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