McCullers Interview

McCullers and Sigi: the mastermind's.(G. Bartram/Getty Images)


MERZ'S INTERVIEW WITH MCCULLERS HERE

KEY PARTS:

Are there similarities to the Crew's previous Shield winner?

"When I first took over as general manager (in 2004) my phone didn't ring a lot. That's just a fact. That's changed substantially now. We have players that are quality in a lot of different ways. It's one barometer I look at. There's interest in these players not only from Major League Soccer but from international perspectives. It's a double-edged sword but I'd rather be in that situation than the alternative. The demand is a sure indicator of the talent. There's a lot of demand, I can tell you.

There may be ton of demand for guys like Marshall, Rogers, Gaven, Evans, Moffat, Ekpo, and etc. The Crew will have to hold onto the majority of those guys to continue to be successful.

At what stage are the discussions with Schmid on a new contract?

"We're in negotiations with Sigi. We want him back. He indicated he wants to be back so we're trying to work out the particulars of that. Continuity is critical throughout our organization.

This is good news.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Chad Marshall and Danny O'Rourke are also looking for new deals with the team, is there anything to report?

"Those are guys we want to sign. It's very competitive. One of the things that come with success is higher expectations and people want to improve their position and I respect that. Our desire is to have all three of those guys signed but if that doesn't happen we've got resources. We've managed our budget well. The team will continue to be successful.

I think this statement means that Chad Marshall may be gone next year. Also you have to wonder if Schelotto will be back next year? This statement makes me think that the Ruiz rumor for an outgoing Schelotto may have some substance.

I hope that we sign all three and keep pretty much the same lineup, you can't go wrong with the results we have had this year.

What are you doing to ensure the team doesn't fall back next year as it did after the 2004 season?

"There's going to be changes. That's inevitable but we've positioned ourselves now to be able to endure. I go back to the initial vision with Sigi."

Not liking this, but it's reality. Wonder how many changes they currently know about?

I just hope that it's a few changes that we can make up for.

Finally, if the Crew does advance to the Eastern Conference Championship fans want to make plans for the home game, what can you tell them?
"It will either be Thursday (Nov. 13) or Saturday (Nov. 15) but looking at the situation there's a good likelihood we will play on that Thursday."

Thursday night game in November, not sure how attendance will be for that. Burr.