CD Chivas USA

SL Interview: Whit Haskel

GM CD Chivas USA

February 5, 2005

Whit Haskel was named as the first General Manager in Club Deportivo Chivas USA history last fall. Since then he has been focused on putting together a front office staff, a competitive team and the seeds of what he expects to be a storied future for the club. I had the opportunity to ask Whit some questions regarding the future of the team and it's rivalries and he expectations for year one. Here's how it went:

SoccerLoop: Congratulations on being named the first General manger in CD Chivas USA history. What will this team bring to MLS and, more importantly, to the game of soccer in the U.S.?

Whit Haskel: It is an honor for me to be working for a pair of visionary investor/operators like Jorge Vergara and Antonio Cue. Chivas is "futbol's" most recognized brand in Mexico, so representing that brand day in and day out in the United States is a thrill and a challenge. Club Deportivo Chivas USA will work diligently both on and off the field to celebrate and evolve the Chivas philosophy, and in doing so; will hopefully set new standards for our sport. We feel that understanding of our tradition and the passion our supporters bring to the game will energize MLS.

SL: There have been statements made from Jorge Vergara that the team will win MLS Cup 2005. Do you share those same sentiments?

WH: Everyone in our organization believes we have a great shot at MLS Cup this season. That being said, if we fall short in year one we are confident that the experience our guys get will result in multiple titles in the years to come.

SL: Many fans have been trying to piece the team's roster together. When can they see some official announcements regarding the international players that will be signed?

WH: Very shortly we will be presenting our international players officially to our fans in Southern California. We need to finalize their work visas before we take that step, but it is no secret who we are targeting based on those players that are in our camp in Guadalajara.

SL: Will Costa Rican, Douglas Sequiera, be joining CD Chivas USA? If so, will his expected role be as a center back?

WH: We have two international slots open, and will continue to go after quality talent that can best represent Chivas USA and its style of play.

SL: The L.A. Galaxy have developed quite a following over the years and even more recently since they've been playing at the Home Depot Center. Do you think we will see some fans change their allegiance?

WH: I worked with the Galaxy for six years and respect what they and their fans have done to grow the sport. Some of their followers will feel compelled to join our ranks when they see what our offer is, but there are enough supporters seeking the highest level of "futbol" in Southern California to make both of our products successful.

SL: How focused is the team on making the HDC "their house?"

WH: On April 2nd at our inaugural match, there will be no doubt whose house this is. Our players will inspire our fans and vice versa, creating a true home field advantage. Hopefully this will be the case in other MLS venues we visit during the season.

SL: The team did well in the SuperDraft getting Brad Guzan and Christian Jimenez. What did you like about those two players and what will their roles be in 2005?

WH: Brad is a big, athletic keeper who is great with his feet, and has a tremendous future in front of him. He will be backing up a veteran CD Guadalajara keeper who will undoubtedly be a great influence on Brad technically and mentally. Christian is a versatile and creative left-footed player whose family is from Guadalajara, making him an ideal choice for this club.

SL: Many have said that Ramon Ramirez is a bit too old to make an impact for the team. What are your thoughts regarding that?

WH: We are thrilled to have a leader like Ramon on our team. He will make a tremendous impact on the pitch, in the locker room, and in the community. This will all be evident come April.

SL: There are also some skeptics who think that the team being assembled, so far, isn't strong enough to be competitive in its debut season. How would you respond to that?

WH: I will let our team respond.

SL: There is so much excitement about the success of the Chivas franchise in MLS. Do you think this team will be the draw at the gates that the League is hoping for?

WH: Chivas USA will undoubtedly add spice to the MLS. If we are true to the Chivas brand of "futbol" and support those values which make this century old brand so special, we will energize this league by turning the heads of those Latinos who have not quite bought into this great MLS product to date.

SL: It has been rumored that Club America may be joining MLS and operating a franchise in Houston. What are your thoughts regarding the possibility and how would this affect CD Chivas USA?

WH: Another storied club joining this league would continue to add credibility and broaden our footprint. Competitively, this would add another tremendous rivalry, but sadly for them, like in Mexico, it would mean more defeats at the hands of the Rebano Sagrado.

SL: What are your goals, as a GM, for your first season, as well as goals for the franchise?

WH: Our mission is to profitably celebrate the Chivas heritage and energize MLS by melding dynamic players, passionate fans and an affordable world-class "futbol" experience and the Mexican culture. We have assembled a tremendously capable front office, technical staff and group of players, which will establish Club Deportivo Chivas USA, as a force to be reckoned with in this country; and in the years to come will make us a truly global "futbol" brand.

SL: Whit, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck in your debut season.

Interview by: Steven Patton