Clint Dempsey

Interview: Clint Dempsey

MLS' 2004 Rookie of the Year?

June, 20 2004

Clint Dempsey is quickly emerging as not only the top rookie in this year's crop, but may also be one of the top players in this 2004 MLS season. I had a chance to do a little Q&A with Clint and here's how it went.

SoccerLoop: We're only halfway through the season and you already have six goals and have been a tremendous asset to the Revs this season. Did you think you'd be seeing this much time in your Rookie year?

Clint Dempsey: At the beginning, I didn't really think I was going to break into the lineup as soon as I did, but the injuries allowed me to earn a starting position. I just take each game one at a time and play as hard as I can. That is all I've been doing and it has just been fun.

SL: You have played both in the midfield as well as up top. Where do you feel most comfortable?

CD: I feel most comfortable where ever the coach wants to play me. That means he has confidence in me to play. I enjoy playing either or. It doesn't matter.

SL: The Revs are currently in last place in the East and have the fewest points of all MLS Clubs. What is the attitude within the team? Is anyone starting to get concerned?

CD: I don't think so. We have been playing well these last few games and we have been getting results. I think we will continue to do so and I think good things are going to happen from here on out.

SL: There has been a lot of talk about you being voted as Rookie of the Year for 2004. What are your thoughts?

CD: It is still a long season. A lot of things can happen. So I let that go in one ear and out the other as far as talking about that.

SL: Not only has there been talk about you as Rookie of the Year, but there has been some mention for you as an MLS Best 11 candidate. What are your thoughts about that?

CD: It is flattering to think that people would put me up there, but I'm just going out there and having fun and playing soccer. That's all I care about.

SL: Any chance of seeing Clint Dempsey with the National team soon? Have you had any discussions with Bruce?

CD: I don't know. It is definitely something that I have dreamed about. It is definitely one of the goals growing up as a kid, playing for your National Team. If it is meant to be than it is meant to be. Only time will tell.

SL: Why did you decide to leave Furman early and enter the SuperDraft?

CD: I felt like I wasn't being pushed enough in college and I needed that extra little push. I think MLS has definitely done that. It is a professional environment and everybody wants to be there. Everybody is fighting for a job. It is survival of the fittest and it is the type of situation I want to be in. So I am happy with my decision.

SL: What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of soccer?

CD: I like doing the regular stuff a country boy does. I like bowling. I like fishing. And just like hanging out with friends. So anytime I can I just try to get away, I do.

SL: Who were your major soccer influences growing up?

CD: I would say Diego Maradona and Carlos Valderrama. They are two players who played the game well, and they played with the South American style. When I was growing up, that was something that interested me and I like those players. I really liked how they changed the games, how they were such an impact for their team.

SL: Will the Revs be at the Home Depot Center on November 14th? If so, whom will you be playing?

CD: Definitely don't count us out. You never know what is going to happen, but I guarantee that we will do our best to be there. We will see what happens.

Interview by: Steven Patton