Could the wheels be coming off the bus?
September 25th, 2009 . 2:44 am .
By: Buzz Carrick
In what could be one of the first real signs of discontent to break into the open, FC Dallas Captain Pablo Ricchetti has expressed his unhappiness to reporters and has apparently asked to be let go or traded. For the last few days in training Ricchetti has been playing center back with the second team while Ugo Ihemelu has been playing center back with the first team next to George John. Heath Pearce has been deployed at right back with Jair Benitez on the left. Position on the field and his contract situation seems to be at the core of Ricchetti’s complaint.
Since Ricchetti so clearly expresses his feelings about the situation in the quotes I decided to reproduce his quotes in their entirety so as to eliminate any filtering.
How are you feeling?
“I could use some happiness. I don’t know [where it went]. Hopefully, [I can find it]. I have to.”
Do you think you will play against Real Salt Lake?
“No, I don’t think so. I never said that I didn’t want to play. Looking at the team and everything, it looks like I’m not playing. We have different impressions of soccer.”
Was Hyndman telling you that you wouldn’t play? (Ricchetti had a long, 15 minute or so, talk with Hyndman post training Thursday)
“No, we were talking with the coach. It’s tough because my mind is in two places. It’s tough for him to put me in. I don’t know. I don’t think I want to play but it’s not my decision.”
Do you think your form has dropped?
“I want to enjoy playing and I’m not enjoying it or practicing. I feel like it’s pretty obvious when I play that I am happy and enjoy what I’m doing. I feel like the last few games, I’m not in that place. When we won 6-3 at LA, I wasn’t happy. That is a bad sign.”
Have you discussed your options with Hyndman?
“I talked with him and he told me that he had options to move me. He thought it was bad for my family and stuff. As much as I love and am thankful to this organization-the people, the fans and everything, I need to pursue my happiness and my desire to play. I don’t think that I can get that here. I told him that maybe it’s time to start a new era.”
What do you think is wrong?
“My position is defensive mid. I played as a center back. I want to be happy. I’m not feeling good enough about many things. I try and did my best and everything but don’t feel like I would be a good influence for everyone. I’m here but my mind is in another place.”
What is it that you are looking for?
“I had a conversation with some guys that I am looking for options. I told them that I wanted to be here if I could have some stability for my family. I have one year left on my contract and I told them I don’t want to move my entire family for one year and then have to move them again the next year. What I want is a three-year deal where I can move my family and I know they will be in the same place for a longer time. They will find a way. If not, let me go home. I can go home and start a new life there whether I’m playing soccer or not. I am looking out for myself and my family.”
Does that mean you don’t want to be here in 2010?
“Yes, I don’t feel that I can be here next year. I don’t feel like I can play in this market again. My mind is in another place. I want to keep playing because I love the game and feel like I can enjoy it. If we don’t have something that’s good for my family and my kids, I will retire and go home. We will see. I’m confident that we will find a solution. I always tried to do my best for the team on and off the field and try to help people out when I can. Now is the moment that I need some consideration. I cannot do my job in this place. Just let me go or give me something that I can enjoy again.”
What is your mind set at this point?
“I’m sad. I love the game but I’m not enjoying it. I love to play but I’m not enjoying it. I come here and practice but don’t enjoy what I’m doing. The sad part is that I love the game. I told some friends yesterday that the most difficult part is to be happy with your family. My kids are healthy, in school and doing well. My family in Argentina is good. Everything is going perfectly in my life besides soccer and that’s too bad. That’s supposed to be the easy part. I love the game and am doing the job that I live. That is the sad part, not enjoying what I love.”
Did the Drew Moor trade have anything to do with your current state of mind?
“That was a tough one. I don’t care if you move players. You can move players but I think Drew deserved something different. It’s not because you can’t move him, but it’s because he gave everything to this organization since he was a kid. He did everything to be here. He was a great teammate, a great guy and a really good player. We didn’t even have a game that weekend and he came here on Monday and 10 minutes before we went to practice, he’s out. That was a bad thing to me. I don’t feel like he deserved that. You can move him but there are many ways to make a move. That was really tough for me. It’s maybe the last straw for me. I feel like if we want to be respected, you have to respect everyone. I feel really bad for Drew but at the same time, I feel bad for how things were done.”
So from all of that it seems pretty clear Ricchetti told Hyndman that he was unhappy and didn’t want to be here anymore. As a consequence of disclosure it appears Ricchetti has been dropped.
Which should leave us watching something like this on Saturday.
| Cunningham |
| van den Bergh |
Chavez |
Ferreira |
Harris |
| McCarty |
| Benitez |
John |
Ihemelu |
Pearce |
| Sala |
Buzz’s Thoughts
I’ve been saying for some time that I’ve not seen a change in attitude or intensity in training under Hyndman’s tenure. Week to week things don’t change much, except maybe the week they got embarrassed by RSL.
Even after Moor was traded there was little evidence it impacted the team. I have heard from people that were there, that they day the Moor trade went down that the team was “gutted” and had a horrible reaction. But it sure didn’t show in training later that week.
So frankly I think the team is where it’s been all along. The old guard that predates Hyndman doesn’t seem to enjoy playing for the man and may not have ever bought in. The newer players that have come in seem happy enough with the situation as we’ve seen some good results mixed in and some real effort on the field from them.
Frankly it seems FCD has a real mixed back in the locker room these days and doesn’t have everyone pulling in the same direction. That would go a long way to explaining the up and down results as well. Perhaps we shouldn’t be shocked the coach wants to get guys that by into his ways. To “get on the bus” if you will.
Which leads me to conclude this winter you will see a final gutting of guys that predated Hyndman’s arrival, unless they’ve way bought in. Rocha, Avila, McCarty, Wagner, Shea, Lambo, and Wallace probably shouldn’t purchase a house in DFW or anything.
I didn’t expect Ricchetti to return for 2010 anyway and now it looks like we might not see him much more this season.
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That makes me so sad that a player has fallen out of love with the game because of the way our FO handles the player trades and the way he is being asked to play the game here.
One day in the future…what is old will be new again…Papi for coach, Rhine for GM… now is the time for them to learn everything they can so that when it is their turn they are ready.
Not to overstate the obvious… This is not condusive for the cohesion and morale of the club. Then again this is the opinion of just one player. Right?
Last straw. This interview confirmed everything I thought was going on within the team. SH has killed the passion and does NOT know how to work with professionals. Any shred of a thought of renewing ST is gone.
Two questions:
- who will be and/or who should be captain now?
- With the roster freeze, Pablo cannot go anywhere this season, can he?
Thanks, Buzz, for printing this.
Zarco, Part II.
This is typical south/central american player whining about more $$$, longer contract, blah, blah, blah.
This isn’t the first time with Richetti, it won’t be the last.
F#@$ him and his stupid haircut.
To tater:
Do you think it’s just about money? Why do you think a player of his level would play in the US? Do you think they own enough for a professional soccer player? Why don’t you compare the avarege salary in the US soccer with the average salary in another countrys? I think even in Argentina he would be more respected and paid what he deserves…MLS way of trade/acquire players don’t make him feel comfortable to do his best, and it’s not because he is south american/latin. Maybe you say this because european players always says NO to the salary MLS offers them…
He has been THE leader on the team since coming here. Was one of Morrow’s victims in bait and switch salary dispute but has always played hard for the shirt. Good luck Pablo.
interesting timing, but they are giving out autographed Pablo posters at tomorrow night’s game if you bring a new, unused toy for the Summer Santa program.
To Tater:
You dumbass, he’s not asking for more money (even though he deserves more), he asking to to be respected by the organization and coach which is obviously not happenning. He playing out of position, he’s doing what is asked of him, but there comes a point when you have to say no to something you know is wrong. That is the mark of a leader. I feel bad to PR and hope he finds a place to play where his leadership and skills are respected.
He asked to be traded under Morrow too. He complained about Morrow publicly too, in words very similar.
Some people are just prima donnas. His going to center back was the right thing for the team because it got Dax into the middle of the field. You do what’s best for the team. That’s what a real captain does.
Sorry, but I’m unimpressed with his leadership skills. As captain, he should have dealt with this situation privately. Say and ask for whatever you want behind close doors, but to spout off like this — as he has done before under different coaches — lacks class.
Buzz – Wasn’t Pablo trying to get moved to LA this past offseason? Do you have any specifics on that and how it might relate to his current comments?
So next year we’re looking at a lineup of
Cunninghan – Ferreira
vdB Chavez Hernandez Harris
Benitez Davies Ihemulu Pearce
Sala
That lineup has a lot of experience [read: old and very little upside outside of Davies and Pearce].
I preferred the youth movement under Morrow and I think it’s a better team-building strategy for MLS. Young players are generally cheaper and, if they develop well, can be sold off, benefitting the club not only with money (both real and allocation dollars), but also by raising club profile, making it more attractive for talented players from the US and abroad looking for a springboard. Of course you have to mix in some veterans (particularly for leadership), but FCD is starting to look like the place MLS geriatrics and SMU alums go to play ahead of young players. And don’t too lippy either or you’ll get dropped from the lineup. That’s not a good rep to get.
And I forgot to make a note on the Moor thing. You have to give something to get something, but you do not give up a core member of your team (backup captain, home-town kid, onw of the faces of the franchise) without getting something substantial in return. I think the the team was gutted because they know (better that us) that Ihemulu is not an upgrade over Moor, and Ihemulu may very well be a significant downgrade (to say nothing of the draft pick or allocation money). Richetti knows he is on a sinking ship and wants off.
This is nothing to do with more money. The only issue pertaining to the contract is more years. He says he doesn’t want to be traded only to have to leave after one year because his contract ran out. He just wants a longer contract. At least that’s what I read from the interview.
I think Pablo is a great guy and has been great for the community. I hope he’s happy wherever he is next season. It makes me sad to think that this is the way he’ll go out.
With that said, I don’t think he’s been playing that great these last few weeks. That’s all I have to say on the downside, though. The coach and FO should have had the balls to torch the lineup in preseason and declare this a rebuilding year. It doesn’t matter whether anyone here agrees with it, we can all see it coming.
Ricchetti asked to be traded under Morrow too. Ricchetti complained publicly about Morrow in a very similar tone and was dropped from the starting team for the preseason while Morrow tried to trade him.
Some guys are just never happy.
Depressing
Same old, same old. This is not about Hyndman as much as it is about Ricchetti’s m.o. He publicly asked to be traded under Morrow too, he complained about being unhappy under Morrow too and he complained about his contract under Morrow too.
Tater,
Know your team.
Ricchetti has been a model pro for the team and the community. No need to bash somebody that gives more volunteer hours to this area than people who’ve lived here all their lives.
Our starting 11 sure has changed a lot since the start of the season
The line-up projected by Buzz looks funny on the right side of defense.
Why not 3-5-2
Ihemelu-John-Pearce
Richetti-Jair
Harris-Chavez-Dave vdb
David F. – Cunningham
You could put McCarty in for Richetti if that is unsalvagable or McCarty in for Chavez. Maybe Hernandez for Richetti if he’s ready. I think that would fit the personnel better, than forcing into a 4-1-4-1.
One of SH traits seems to be a lack of flexibility.
saban, that’s one too many guys on the field. I agree with Buzz’s lineup going into this week’s game.
Eugene, count again please.
I’m not sure Buzz agrees with the line-up, he’s just predicting it, based on what he sees & hears.
So, should we have occassional MNT LB Peasrce at RB?
Was Ihemelu brought in to play CD instead of getting up & down the wings?
By the way, I don’t care if money or contract does or does not have anything to do with it. Soccer is by far the most mercenary sport on both the management & player sides. Clubs compete for youth players. Youth players in a club situation constantly are looking to improve their situation.
The international organization of Soccer does not lend itself to LOYALTY on either part. So, it all falls back on the coach and his ability to get players to perform cohesively. We’re still waiting.
Main reason for this: Richetti is a professional player, no matter what you may think of his antics about contract. SH is a college coach and cannot deal with professional players. And he never will be able to do so, which explains the influx of SMU exes.
The disagreement during Morrow’s tenure was related to a handshake agreement with management that was never honored. He moved on since. Now the issue is much different it seems like. Maybe he’s just tired of getting on the bus. Who knows. It’ll be best for all parties if they just move him along.
Sorry, but I have lost what little respect I had left for Pablo by this latest rant, especially because of the way he’s been playing. However you feel about the F.O., Management,, your coach, etc. at least have some respect for your teammates and don’t pull this crap a day before a very important game. You’re the captain, act like the captain and if you don’t want to fight for the shirt at least don’t disrupt the other guys in the lockerroom that do. These are not the actions of a veteran leader but a spoiled rookie.
Hutch, Pablo cant go anywhere in MLS. But he could move on loan to a team somewhere else. or be let out of his contract.
Peg, those bait and switch deals were more Hitch than Morrow.
Refresh, yes he tried to get traded last winter. LA was on place mentioned. He also asked to be traded before under Morrow.
Ever since his first year when he didn’t get the raise he thought he had verbally been promised (by Hitch, although Morrow was in the room) he has tried to either get the money or get traded.
FYI for everyone, There is a club option (I am told) for 2010 on Ricchetti’s deal. Hence the “don’t want to play one year” comment. Clearly he wants a new 3 year deal… apparently somewhere else.
Saben and Eugene that lineup is what Hyndman ran out Wed and Thur in training. That usually means we’ll see it on the weekend.
It’s also what sparked reporters to talk to Ricchetti Thursday.
Schellas = complete clown
FC Dallas 2010 = possibly worse than 2009?
McCarty = gone
My fault, saban – I misread your “Dave vdb” part.
Pretty typical torch the guy that speaks out stuff on here. I personally think this is sad, and I’ll be sorry to see him go.
Buzz –
Wally, Brek, and Lambo shouldn’t purchase a house in the metroplex?? These are 3 young, talented players that should be the foundation of FCD for the next several years . . . Is Schellas really gonna dismantle FCD this badly?
Come on, now, Pablo — how do you expect Schellas to win with other people’s recruits?
Chase, I just listed every play left who was with FCD before Hyndman. But I do expect several of them to be gone.
I would agree with you that those guys are young talented players FCD should hold on to.
pablo seems like a great guy and great to the community. but, it’s true he’s thrown this tantrum before. i’m sure he senses the pulse of the fans against the FO and SH…so, he may be just adding fuel to the fire for his benefit. w/ all the players we’ve gotten recently, i would prefer to see them anyways. pablo is getting older, and it’s time to utilize heath, ugo and the rest. we all loved emmitt smith, mike irvin, etc, but we all knew they needed to be replaced eventually. if SH doesn’t produce next year, then we’ll blame him for it.
with this been my first season at da stadium not like some oda member of el matador especially its leaders that have been here longer than i have but to be honest
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TEAM LIKE DALLAS EVER IN MA LIFE
I JUST DNT KNOW WHAT THERE IS TO BE DONE FOR PLAYERS TO BE HAPPY HERE
CAUSE TO BE HONEST I DONT THINK EVERY PLAYER OUT THERE IS HAPPY HERE
WE JUST NEED AH CLEAN OUT
excuse me, but i dont understand the uproar. The writing for this has been on the wall all season long. They’ve brought in defensive players from the opening of camp and even the draft. Richetti took one for the team (yes), but he also “increased” his value by showing his own versatility to drop into the back line. Nobody should be surprised, especially after hernandez was signed. SH knows DH and would rather go with a known commodity than an established pro that may not buy in. Heck…..if Bruno had worked out better, we might’ve seen this earlier.
Nobody should be surprised when Dax is gone after this season too, followed by Brek, and Avila also. Moor hinted at all of these players being gone simply by his trade. SH wants to make his mark on this team and he needs new players to create his own environment. I’m not happy with this at all, but it is what it is…..
If Shea, avila, or Lambo are let go. I defect from supporting this team.
Sorry Doug, but odds are that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
Shea has just too much of an upside for European teams to ignore (speed, size, age) and will move the first chance he gets.
And Avila, despite his defensive issues, is too much of a spark to be rotting on the FCD bench.
Doug if you do that you will be deserting your fellow fans with your tantrum!
Buzz – thanks for the clarification. Seems Morrow was slightly guilty but not as much as he could have been. He really did get a raw deal by Hitchcock who saved his ass for a few years with the etu Brutus move.
“Rocha, Avila, McCarty, Wagner, Shea, Lambo, and Wallace probably shouldn’t purchase a house in DFW or anything.”
Shea is going a bit far, don’t you think?
Obviously, Rocha is on the outs, and Wagner and Wallace have had little playing time for a while, but I certainly don’t see Shea moving, and would be surprised to see McCarty and even Avila not come back. It is hard to tell where Lambo is relative to what Hyndman wants from him.
Goalkeeper is an interesting position for this team. Neither Dario or Ray have been stunning in goal for long stretches. Serviceable? Yes. But unless you have a great defense in front of either of them, I’m not sure they are players who are going to win you a playoff series.
Respectfully disagree Steve. The only problem we don’t have on this team is the goalkeeper position. Case in point, we had the game we had against RSL because Sala had a stand on his head performance. His leadership and fantastic saves kept the game from being the other way around instead of RSL scoring 3 goals.
With all of the turmoil the team experienced with Captain Pablo’s resignation last week, this team could have had a devastating loss against RSL, and nobody would have been surprised. With the ever-changing backline, it’s impressive Sala or Burse have been able to do what they have. For those who don’t know about the position, it’s easy to always blame the goalkeeper. We’re extremely fortunate to have the goalkeeper we have (who has ascended at least twice to the first division in Argentina and has saved this team’s arse on too many occasions to mention and has always played exceptionally well in the playoffs) and the very capable back-up in Burse.
I agree with mitch. In 8 games played Sala has had 7 different back-lines in front of him. What would you expect? In the four clean sheets FCD has had all season, three of them came with Sala in goal. The other was versus a basically non-existent Chicago because their defense was missing several key players as was the rest of the team.
[...] The falling out goes back to Ricchetti turning in his armband and give up his captaincy back in Sep…. Hyndman says after that Ricchetti was allowed to continue training, but the bridges had already been burnt. “I kept him around, cause I think it was good that… we needed players in training. If we had been in the playoffs he’d still be here cause I don’t think it would be a disruptive opportunity.” [...]