BRUCE ARENA On what to accomplish with the Jan. 24 game against Bolivia: “I think things are going well. We’re still in a feeling out process, with me getting to know the players and the players getting to know me. Overall, we’re trying to simply increase our competitiveness. We’re not concerned totally in the result, but we are going to go out and give a solid 90 minutes.” On the importance of winning games: “My concern is building a team that is prepared to qualify in 2000…whether we need to win games now or later. It’s about developing a new team. We’re creating a new player pool and giving new players a chance to play. I’m pretty confident this team will show up on Sunday and give a great performance.” When asked about France ’98: “I’m not sure we’ve even talked about it. We’re focusing on a new era for U.S. Soccer. In all honesty, ’98 hasn’t come across my mind. The mood in camp has been a good one.” On the biggest surprise of training camp: “There hasn’t been one specific player who has surprised me. The biggest surprise to me is the players we brought in in November. Back then they felt uncomfortable. Now they feel like they belong. It’s made for much improved play in camp. Our young players are a real plus in my mind.” On the state of the team/players that were sent home: “It’ll be a revolving door here over the next three matches. These players know that they I can call them back at any time and the door is still open.” (Note: Arena is expected to name an 18-player roster for the trip to Bolivia on Jan. 19.) COBI JONES On the level of the training in Orlando: “It’s definitely different from the ones we’ve had before. It’s been very intense, usually lasting an hour to an hour and a half. I think you’ll find that’s what players like. So far, everyone’s very happy with the way Bruce [Arena] is handling things.” “It’s been more like training with a European team… training sessions are short and intense. I was very surprised that he had more of a laid-back approach, especially with his two titles with D.C., I expected him to be more strict. I think he gets along with the players very well, and I think that’s good for the team. “[Bruce’s] personality is laidback, but training is intense. We have a lot of fresh faces and a lot of players who are trying to make their mark… giving 120 percent day in and day out.” On his role with the team in 1999: “As far as this team is concerned, unofficially it’s been asked of me to take more of a leadership role on this team. Considering now that I’m kind of one of the veteran players, it’s time for me to step up to fill that role. On their 1-0 exhibition win over Glasgow Rangers yesterday: “We’re still at the point where players are trying to get used to each other. There were some good performances out there, but there were some mistakes made. But you can only expect improvement in the future.” MIA HAMM On the 1998 Chevrolet/U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Award and the U.S. women’s team: “It’s definitely a tremendous honor. I don’t take this award lightly. Any of the players here could have received this award. I’m just excited about all of our progress. So many things have been said about our team, I just feel like we’ve been getting better every day. If we continue this improvement, we should be there [in the Women’s World Cup final] in Pasadena.” On the team’s goal for the Women’s World Cup: “Ours is no different from any other team. That’s what we’re preparing for. We’re preparing to win just like Norway, Germany and China. If you go into this kind of tournament not thinking you’re going to win, then…” Asked if there are any weaknesses in her game: “There are so many things in my game that need improvement, like not finishing as well as I need to. I understand that I have time before the first game of the World Cup, so I’m not worried.” On any difference in her play over the last five years: “All five years have been different. Hopefully I’ve gotten better over the years…maybe more sophisticated…I think those are the types of goals that you’re seeing now.” When asked why they’re not facing tougher opponents in preparation for the World Cup: “I think we are. We’re not playing them at the beginning, but when we go to Portugal [for the annual Algarve Cup in mid-March], it’s basically a mini-World Cup. These first couple of games, it’s not that we’re playing teams that don’t necessarily have the talent, they just don’t have the experience.” On facing the top tier of teams: “We’ve played those teams so many times, there really are no secrets. Hopefully our focus and execution on that day is better than theirs.” On the state of the team: “We have players that can play any position…That’s exciting for us because it gives us so many more weapons. I’m excited for what that can bring to our team.”