I had a chance to catch up with TFC keeper Stefan Frei yesterday to chat about his trip to Spain, future with the club and off-season program. It was the second time I had a chance to have a one-on-one interview with Frei and he continues to impress. Keepers are cerebral and Frei in no different. I feel confident knowing that he is marshalling the back-line for TFC.
You can read my MLSsoccer.com piece here.
One part of the interview that got cut was when I asked Frei about his European goals moving forward. His answer wasn't much different than when I asked him on It's Called Football earlier this year.
He said:
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
“Sitting in the stands (at the Bernabéu) listening to the Champions League music as the players came out – it gave me Goosebumps. It made me think that one day I’d like to be standing there listening to that music in a game I’m about to play in.”
However the tone of the rest of the interview gave me no indication that he'll be making that move anytime soon. He seemed fully focused on TFC for 2011.
The question of whether to sell Frei is a tough one. He's become a fan favourite (Canadians like and value "goalies" more than some other cultures) but you have to ask yourself whether his cost to the club is equal to the value that he might bring in a sale. There is little question Frei is talented, but is he so talented that you couldn't find a keeper 90 per cent as good that would then open up the possibility of using the savings to improve elsewhere.
Those types of considerations are why it sucks to be an MLS fan sometimes.
However, another year in Toronto probably benefits both Frei and Toronto. So, you can likely expect another year of Super Stefan Frei! songs from the south-east corner of BMO Field.