We played four tough games on the road and I’m happy how things turned out for the team. I feel more comfortable as the season progresses. After recovering from a couple of injuries, I’m glad to be on the field. I’m happy to help the team win. I had good discussions with Nick (De Santis) before joining the team and I think we have a very similar approach game-wise.
Since your arrival with the Impact, you fought for the number one spot with Andrew Weber: how do you feel about being in such a position?
I’ve been playing professional soccer for more than 10 years and I’ve been through situations like this one many times. Every day, I want to prove I can do the job and it’s positive. So far, training with Youssef (Dahha) has been very productive. He is a very good goalkeeper coach and I’ve been improving over the past few weeks since I joined the team.
How will it be for you to play a first game in Montreal?
For sure it will be special. I’ve heard very good things about the atmosphere here during games. People say it’s a very spirited crowd. With more than 10 or 11, 000 fans, it brings something special to the game. For us on the field, the crowd is our 12th player so I’m excited to play my first game here.
After eight seasons spent in the Major League Soccer, what do you expect from your first season in the United Soccer Leagues First Division with the Impact?
It’s a big challenge for me. I’m very happy to be part of the Montreal Impact. We not only have a high level organization, but a quality team as well, which includes strong Canadian and Quebec players. There is a great winning tradition here and I want to contribute to this enduring landmark. So I’m expecting to win here because if you don’t have the objective to win every season, you’re in the wrong business. This is what we are working toward every day.
If you don’t have the objective to win every season, you’re in the wrong business.
It’s your first stay in Canada, is it hard to play away from your family?
Outside soccer, I’m a family man so I like to be near them. I’m a lucky man because they will come to Montreal this summer. My wife and daughter are with me, and my son will be born in Montreal in the summer. I like to spend time in nature and do outdoor activities with my family. But I played in Danemark for a few years and all around over North America, so I’m accustomed to being away from them for several weeks, but it’s never easy.
What kind of player are you and how do you think you can help the team?
I’m a hard working player and a leader by example. I will try to use my experience to help the team be successful. I also like to talk a lot on the field, to organize the team. I think it’s important for the goalkeeper and defenders to eliminate problems before they occur by talking to their teammates up front. I’ve been impressed with Gabe (Gabriel Gervais), who has a similar approach. He talks a lot and it helps everybody on the field.
What is the greatest moment so far in your career?
I think there are a lot of individual moments but what stands out is the process of getting where I am. After what I have gone through during my career and to reach the level where I’m at, and to be in the game for this long, there is a great amount of commitment and hard work and I’m proud of it.
After 10 seasons playing professional soccer, how do you continue to motivate yourself?
My inner drive is to improve myself every day, to become better. The day you stop wanting to improve or improving, you have to quit the game. I think that with time, I appreciate training even more. Goalkeepers hit their career peaks at around 33-35. I’m only 31, so I’m still young (laughs).
