Kaiserslautern sign American defender

Debs · Jan 2, 2001

Mike Petke was on trial at Bayern for a couple weeks, on recommendation by Matthaus. Now it's KAiserslatern who have signed him....

New York Metrostars defender Mike Petke will sign for Kaiserslautern. The 24-year-old player had a trial period with Bayern Munich after Lothar Matthaus' advice. Kaiserslautern boss Jurgen Friedrichha said: "Mike is one of the best players in the USA. We want to see how much he will improve in Europe."

jez · Jan 2, 2001

Transfer cancelled - Petke expected too much money...

Freddie · Jan 2, 2001

MLS is organized such that the league owns all player contracts and negotiates terms for sale... don't blame Petke or his agent for asking too much. MLS needs cash badly and is asking a high price for Ben Olsen also, who is on loan and for sale to Notts Forest in the English First Division.

Captain Sandro · Jan 2, 2001

To be honest (and ashamed as well

) I saw nearly every MetroStars game this season and I think that Petke is able to play in Europe for sure. Also Clint Mathis and Mark Chung. In my opinion MLS has 10 players who could be really good in Europe. Also Ante Razov or Eddie Pope. But MLS has a bad image. That´s why some managers want to save some money and spent it elsewhere.

Freddie · Jan 3, 2001

I think you way overate Chung; how often has he been selected for NT duty? Rarely, I think. I watch Pope regularly with DC United and while he has a good heart I wonder if he has the skill to make it in a top league in Europe. It is a different level altogether from MLS.

Debs · Jan 3, 2001

I'm sorry to hear that this dealwon't go thru. I'm an American,a nd frankly, what the game needs over here is for some of our more talented players to go overseas and learn all they can...and also for some real European stars to coem here and play and teach us the game as it should be played. I used to follow the MLS alot more closely than I do now....and I hardly watch it now b/c the level of play is just too low...it's slow, no aerial game, poor tactics...it's painful to watch!

Freddie · Jan 3, 2001

Try jumping between a Serie A or La Liga or EPL game and an MLS game when both are on TV at the same time. The difference is frightening. Competitive US players will want the challenge or European ball and we've got to get it for them to bring our NT level up.

Captain Sandro · Jan 3, 2001

Well, I think you are a bit unfair. Of course MLS doesn´t play on the highest level but I think it´s not so bad. Chung is good enough I think! My question is why doesn´t he play for the NT more often? And I also think Pope would be good enough for England cause as a defender you don´t need skill when you play in the EPL!!! Generally I don´t think the US national team is very good but some players could do really well here in Europe.

Kaiserslautern sign American defender

Debs

jez

Freddie

Captain Sandro

Freddie

Debs

Freddie

Captain Sandro

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities