Steve Zakuani talks about rookie season, shoulder surgery, union stance

"First off, I was happy when I heard the news because it gives Akron the recognition they deserve again and cements their place as one of the most respected teams in the college game. Teal (Bunbury) is a close friend of mine, almost like a younger brother, we spoke regularly throughout the year, and he even flew to Seattle to see me a few months back. I've just told him to enjoy everything that comes his way because it's a special time for him. He knows what he has to do and has a good family around him so I don't need to tell him much. As for Blair (Gavin), we were in the same class at Akron and from day one I knew he was a good player who could go to the next level. I'm very happy for him and sent him a message to tell him. There's going to be a lot of hoopla and commotion at first for both of them, but as long as they stay focused on playing ball, they'll be fine."

You started as a left wing for most of 2009 with the Sounders. Looking back, what were some of the challenges of that position?

"I grew up playing out wide more often than as a forward when I was a kid. It wasn't until after I had a knee injury and then went to college that I played 100% as a forward. For the college game, it made sense to play there, but I always told Caleb (Porter, Akron head coach) that I would end up as a winger at the next level. The challenge for me was not about learning a new position, but it was a case of re-learning some of the principles of an old position and then having to execute them at a much higher level than I've ever played at before. I never really saw myself as an out and out forward, even though I know I can play there in the right system. My style is about facing defenders up and not really playing with my back to goal for most of the game."

Weigh in on the grass v. Field Turf debate. How did the Qwest surface play for you? Freddie spoke out against the surface in Houston for the playoffs. How did you find it?

"I don't think Freddie was talking about the surface at Houston, he was talking about the football lines on the field and how it caused confusion having so many lines everywhere. I remember when we played at New England, the football lines were so dominant and it took a while to get used to the dimensions of the field. For me, Qwest played very well all year, but I also enjoyed going to play at some of the nice grass fields. There were only a couple of really bad turf fields that we came across last year, so I don't think it should be a grass versus turf debate, instead it should be a case of making sure that every surface, regardless of whether it's grass or turf, is playable and at a good standard."

Who did you room with for away matches in 2009? Did you talk soccer before 'lights out,' or try to take a break from it?

"I roomed mainly with Pat Ianni. I never really talk about soccer away from the pitch because it's good to focus on different things in life and keep soccer in its proper perspective. When I'm at training, or in the hours leading up to a game, I'm consumed by soccer and I take it really seriously, but when it's time for some downtime, I do other things and talk about other things. Throughout the year I found myself having some good discussions with Pat, he'll tell you if you ask him, and so it was great to be able to laugh and relax on the road."

What were your personal and club highlights of 2009? Is it a 'compliment' that you are no longer considered 'Generation Adidas?'

"We met most of our objectives as a team and so we were all happy overall. We made the playoffs, surpassed our 45 points target, and won the Open Cup. It was a very good year. However, I remember the pain of sitting in the locker room in Houston after that loss, everyone was hurting and it showed me that the mentality of the club is a winning mentality. Most first year teams would be pleased with what we did, but we really believed we could win it all, and it didn't feel good to come up short like that. Individually, I had a good year, as good as I could have hoped for, but that's gone now and my focus is on the next season and how I can be better. I guess it's a sort of compliment that I came off the GA program because it means that I played a bunch of games for Seattle and made an impact."

How is your shoulder surgery recovery coming along?

"It's a long road, but I'll get there. I've had some issues with my shoulder ever since my time at Akron but it was never really serious. A few times throughout the year, I had some problems with it but I was able to play through, until very close to the end, in the last month and a half of the year, I really hurt it during a training session and decided to go for an MRI. It was a good thing I did because I saw that I had a torn ligament, a chipped bone, and a few other things wrong. The whole area was a mess. The surgery went well, I've been meeting my goals in rehab, and just got the all clear to start jogging and running. So the only thing left is to get my fitness and conditioning back, and then cross the biggest hurdle which is to play with full contact. They told me it would take four months to be back, but I'm confident I can work hard and be back playing 100% or close enough to it, before that mark."
 

"The management put a lot of confidence in me from day one I feel, and I did my best to pay them back by playing well and doing what was asked of me. I think they were happy with how things went, but at the same time, like me, they are excited for next year because I'll be better and more effective. I'm happy to be coming back, we return most guys and so our understanding of each other should be better. If the team needs me to play forward then I'll do it, that's the attitude I have to have. I'll play wherever I'm needed at the time although my goal is to cement my spot on the wing again because I know I can do some good things from there."

"I've been all over the place really. I spent time with my family in London, then I flew back to Seattle to work on my shoulder, and now I am flying away for the holiday season to see some friends and get some final relaxing time before I go full throttle in my fitness program. I've enjoyed the offseason because I've been able to go out and watch some music and comedy shows, and catch up on the NBA because I love basketball. I also bought a car and so I've been going to some places in Washington that I haven't been to before."

How are the players staying in touch in regards to Union / CBA negotiations? What are your thoughts about the ongoing talks between the league and player's union?

"We have guys on the team who are talking to the league and they keep us posted by email. I'm 100% behind the player's unions demands because I think Kasey said it best when he said that the league has come such a long way since the last CBA and so it would only makes sense for that growth to be reflected in the new CBA. The players want to have the same rights as every other player in the world, we want to be under FIFA rights with guaranteed contracts and to be in a position where we negotiate our contracts directly with the clubs and not necessarily the league. There are several issues being discussed but they all basically boil down to us players, wanting more security and improvement in the nature of our contracts."