by Lars Lifrak

365:  Let’s start by talking about the team.  It’s been sort of a roller coaster so far this year.  To what do you attribute that?
Brad Guzan:  Obviously there have been some ups and downs.  I think that it starts with our mentality and getting prepared for each game.  I think there have been some games where we’ve come out and we’ve dropped some points.  That being said, when we have right mentality we have one of the best teams in the league.  I think we can move the ball and create chances and defensively we can be solid.

365:  What do you think it is then?
BG:  I don’t really know why.  If we knew the answer I think it wouldn’t be like that so much.  It can be difficult sometimes, but in saying that, you need to be able to come to training every day and each game and be ready to compete.

365:  How much of a help will it be to get Maykel Galindo back from his injury?
BG:  I think it will be huge.  He’s a big part of our team.  He creates an aspect for us that not too many teams have with his speed.  He can get in behind the back lines of other teams and create that opportunity out of nothing.  If you look at some of his goals from last year it was creating something from nothing.  I think it will be huge when we get him back.

365:  Let’s switch to you personally.  At some point you’ll be playing overseas.  Do you think it will be this year?
BG:  Whether it’s now or come January, I think it will be one of those two times.  When that time comes hopefully I’m ready and it will be a good situation for me and a good situation to be going into.

365:  How hard was it to come back mentally last year when you were basically set to go play and Europe and it was just the work visa that stopped you?
BG:  It was definitely tough.  Being right there and having everything else in place, but that’s just how it goes I guess.  It can be frustrating but I knew I was coming back to a good club and a good organization with Chivas USA.  I’ve spent my entire professional career with this club and I’ve seen the club and the team grow.  It’s a good feeling when something like that doesn’t work out but you know you’ve got a good group of people that you are going back to.

365:  So from what you know about the work visa situation, are you in a better spot now than you were?
BG:  From my understanding I think I’m in a better position, but obviously only the FA office will be able to answer that when the question comes along.

365:  Is it only England that’s a possibility at this point?
BG:  No.  I’ve spoken with my agent a few times and there is some interest from other teams.  We are keeping our door open to anybody.  Playing in England would be a great honor but I’m not going to close doors on other opportunities.

365:  I’m curious to hear your mentality about the national team.  The conventional wisdom is that Tim Howard is the first keeper and will start in the World Cup.  But you wouldn’t be as successful as you’ve been if you weren’t a competitor.  How do you look at the situation?
BG:  I’m not oblivious to the situation.  I understand how good Timmy is.  I see it day in and day out when I’m in with him.  To understand where he is and the steps he’s taken in his career there’s no doubt that he’s number one.  But for him to get better and for myself to get better and to help the team, I think it’s important for me to have the mentality to push him and myself because that’s what’s going to make the team get better.  If I can go in as a number two or three or four, and go into that situation knowing Tim is number one, fair enough, but with the attitude of getting as much out of it as I can and try to get better personally.

365:  Do you feel like playing in Europe is critical if you want to move up on the national depth chart?
BG:  To have the chance to play against the best players all around the world, I think that’s huge.  You saw that happen when Timmy first went he played unbelievably with Manchester United and I think that helped him take the step to the next level.

365:  Thanks Brad.
BG:  Thanks man.