Please don't let me be misunderstood: oft-labeled hot-headed, streaky, or both, the talented Fire and U.S. striker doesn't get the respect he deserves - Interview: Ante Razov - Chicago Fire Soccer Player - Interview

Soccer Digest, May, 2002 by Ashley Jude Collie

SD: Having played over there and having seen the soccer in various countries, how does MLS stack up on the field?

AR: You're obviously comparing MLS with leagues that are more than 100 years old and possess much better financial resources. With its limited resources, MLS has done a fantastic job. The players are learning what it is to be professional. Chicago is as close to a European outfit as possible. Players are treated as professionals and are dealt with man-to-man and I think they respond to that.

SD: When you were away, did you ever speak with U.S. coach Bruce Arena about whether your chances to be on the squad would improve were you in MLS?

AR: We had some talks about it The best way he put it was, "If you're in Europe and not playing, it would be very difficult for me to look at you and judge your performance." I'm sure he watches all of the MLS games, so I know my progress is being monitored very closely here.

SD: With the national team, you scored a great early goal against Trinidad and Tobago last year and had some momentum, but were stifled by injuries.

AR: [Laughs] Yeah, I played against Trinidad and then the Mexico game a few

days later. Then I rejoined the Fire and I was hurt the second or third game back with them. That injury is kinda what impeded my progress with the national team. I had an excellent summer campaign, went back to Fire, got injured and only scored two goals, and I was never really fit after that. I pulled my groin, then when I came back, I hit my head on a post and was knocked out. Then, while preparing for the Jamaica game, I rolled my ankle pretty severely. Injuries are one thing that has stopped me from showing what I can do.

SD: Have you changed anything in your training routine to avoid some of these injuries?

AR: I think the injuries were caused from the traveling. I had finished the MLS season in 2000, then went over to play the rest of the season with Racing. I came back over to play in the qualifying games and went back to Europe. And when I did come back to the Fire, I joined them in midseason and didn't have a preseason to get prepared. Then I strained my groin and I think that was as a direct result. The head thing was an accident. [Laughs] I don't normally try to head butt the post!

SD: How do you feel about your chances to earn a spot on the national team?

AR: Well, I would think it's wide open. I don't think anyone has a claim to being the top striker. The key is to get myself fit again and confident. For a striker, confidence is 95% of the job.

SD: Do you feel comfortable playing up front with anyone in particular?

AR: I've played with Josh Wolff, Clint Mathis, and Brian McBride. Because I play with Josh in Chicago, he's the guy I know the most. I just haven't played enough games with the others to know how well we could do. You can practice and train all you want, but until you get into games you don't learn the ins and outs of each player. I know exactly where Josh is going to be and what he's going to do because we've played three-and-a-half seasons together. Whether I could be a better partner with anyone else, it's hard to say because I haven't had enough time to make that connection.