Wade Barrett

Interview: Wade Barrett

Defender AGF Aarhus of Denmark

Soccer Loop feels extremely privileged to bring the first interview (we think) with Wade Barrett since his departure from MLS and his arrival in Denmark with Aarhus. It is always great to see MLS players making the move abroad. We think Barrett can achieve success overseas, but one thing is for sure, he'll be living one of his personal dreams in the process.

SoccerLoop: What was your main reason for taking your game abroad?

Wade Barrett: I have always been interested in playing abroad. Rather, I have always been interested in living abroad. This was an excellent opportunity for me to test my game in a different environment, and, at the same time, to live and learn in a European community.

SL: What did you like about Aarhus that made you settle down with them?

WB: On the soccer side, the team was in need of a left back to play in a 4-4-2. The coach encourages the outside backs to get involved in the attack. It was the perfect setup for me. The team is rebuilding after a few disappointing seasons, and it seemed a good time to come aboard. Off the field, I really enjoyed the time I spent here while on trial. The downtown is beautiful; the streets are lined with cafes and shops, and many of the lanes are pedestrian. Aarhus is the second biggest city in Denmark (next to Copenhagen), and boasts nice beaches and deep forests. It's awesome.

SL: How has your experience been so far in Denmark with the club?

WB: My experience with the club has been great. They have treated me well on the field as well as off.

SL: How is the lifestyle?

WB: The lifestyle suits me well. People crowd the coffeehouses and cafes. Most people are warm and friendly. Public transportation is great. Soccer is the top sport. It has been everything I had hoped for.

SL: What are your major plans for your soccer career now that you are playing in Europe?

WB: My plans now that I'm in Europe... I hope to improve my game here with AGF, and help the team return to the top of the Superliga table. That's about it. I am always looking to improve as a player. All I can hope is to grow as a player while I'm here. If something else comes of my time here, maybe another opportunity in Europe, I'll consider it when it presents itself.

SL: When might we be able to see Wade Barrett back in MLS?

WB: I've signed with AGF through the end of 2005. Perhaps I'll return to MLS then. I really enjoyed my time in MLS, and feel like I got better every year. It is a top-flight league. We'll just have to wait and see.

SL: Many U.S. players that have made the move abroad have kind of fallen out of the USMNT picture. Do you think this move will hurt your chances with the Nats or improve them?

WB: Immediately, it has hurt my chances. Coach Arena has already said that he will rely predominately on MLS based players for the competitions this year. In the long term, though, it's up to me to perform well enough to get called in. That's the bottom line. If I continue to get better as a player, I hope I will get another chance. Not many people in the U.S. follow the Danish league, so it is definitely harder to get acknowledged. This was something I've always wanted to do, though, so I have no regrets in coming here.

SL: We just recently did an interview with Carlos Bocanegra and he stated that Bruce Arena thinks that Carlos playing left back would be the best for him in the National Team side. This however is also your position. What are thoughts on competition for that starting role?

WB: I think 'Los is a great left back, and would help the National Team wherever they use him. Right now, there is no competition between us for that spot: he has been in camp, and I have not. I can only try to improve my game and hope for another chance.

SL: With the departures of you, Joe Cannon, and Ariel Graziani, how do you think the 'Quakes will fair this season?

WB: I like to think that Joe, Ariel, and myself were valuable players for the Quakes. I'm not foolish enough to think that our departure will leave any lasting damage, though. Frank (Yallop) and Dom (Kinnear) have put a team together that doesn't rely on one player to make a difference. The reason we were successful in 2001 and 2002 was because we played as a team. Everyone understood the system, and did their part. I'm sure the same will happen this year.

Interview by: Steven Patton