Ultras capo Dan Margarit did an extensive interview for an Ultras group in Germany. Topics range from his youth in Romania, to the history of the 1906 Ultras, to the sport in America in general. A very, very good read for all US soccer fans. Here’s just a taste:
What are you thinking about the “designated player rule”, due to
superstar David Beckham could change to the Los Angeles Galaxies?Is this a chance to create the North American soccer more attractive or just a needless and undesirable bargain, to advance the commerce in your country?There’s no doubt Beckham helped our league get some attention, but I don’t see it as a long term solution. Beckham’s move was good for publicity, to get media attention, and to sell some tickets. The problem is that those people buying tickets are not Galaxy fans, they are just Beckham fans. Once he is gone, they won’t come back. Instead of paying him that much and sell more tickets for only 4 or 5 years until his contract is done, invest that money in marketing, and build a solid fan base, who will be there forever.
Regarding his performance on the field, the results speak for themselves. Galaxy had a terrible season. There’s no way you can build a competitive team with a guy who makes 50 millions a year and ten other guys who can’t even afford to buy a house. These differences don’t help the atmosphere in the locker room at all. You need some balance. Beside that, these designated players come here for the money only. Their mind and heart is not here and that shows when they play. I rather get someone much cheaper like Darren Huckerby who plays his heart out every game, and invest the rest of the money in marketing, like I said earlier and/or the youth system of the club. But hey, from my point of view, I wish that Galaxy will keep doing what they have been doing, because I love to see them humiliated.
Definitely go check out the rest.