The following are quotes from the Nov. 9 MLS media teleconference, which featured guests Ivan Gazidis (MLS executive vice president of player relations and operations), Lothar MatthSus (MetroStars defender) and Charlie Stillitano (MetroStars vice president and general manager). Gazidis Opening Comments: “Today is one of the most historic days in MLS history … This announcement was made a while ago, but to have Lothar here in New York is a tremendous honor for us … His achievements are unique among world soccer players.” “The impressions I’ve gotten from Lothar are that he’s a winner, and wants to make the MetroStars a winner … He’s not here for a vacation, finding a nice apartment, or living a relaxing lifestyle … His commitment to this organization is absolute, giving his absolute best to area fans … We are very pleased to have him here.” Stillitano Opening Comments: “I think Lothar would be on anyone’s all-century team, closing in on the most caps ever by FIFA … Most importantly he’s a winner and brings that to the MetroStars … I couldn’t think of a better player for the MetroStars, he’s a consummate player, a foundation player and will help turn the team around, into a winner.” MatthSus Opening Comments: “I am happy to come to New York and to the MetroStars to play soccer … I hope the team, the fans, and I can do well next season … I will give my best and hope the team can win next year.” MatthSus on How Much Time he will Miss to Play in EURO 2000: “I think when I go to the European Championships, it will be two weeks for preparation, and three weeks to the final … I hope I can go with Germany to the final … I would miss between five-to-six weeks total, but this is next year, and I don’t know if I’ll be called by the coach for the championships.” MatthSus on why he Wanted to Come to MLS Now: “I am happy to sign with the MetroStars … Living in New York, it’s a good life experience for me.” MatthSus on how Many More Years he will Play: “I have signed a contract for only next season, and will take a look after that season.” MatthSus on Which Position he Would Like to Play with the MetroStars: “The trainer (head coach) makes the team … I hope he gives me a position that I can give a lot back to the team … I have a tradition in the center.” Stillitano on the MetroStars Chances for a Revival: “I think what Lothar brings is a winning mentality and attitude … We’ve had great players and coaches in the past, but he is unique person … He’ll be our foundation, help the organization and soccer in America greatly.” MatthSus on the Perception of American Players Overseas: “We saw how American soccer beat Germany twice, and I have a lot of respect for soccer in America … Soccer in America is not simple … I must do my best to make a difference for the MetroStars.” MatthSus on the State of German Soccer: “We have a lot of talent in Germany … It’s possible (our club teams) play with 11 players from other countries, and we block our young players … We need to limit foreigners on our teams like MLS does …. We went to the Champions League final with nine Germans at Bayern Munich last year, so we do still have good players … I think German soccer is in very good shape.” MatthSus on the Reaction in Germany to his Move to MLS: “German journalists didn’t think it was the right answer, but that’s not important to me.” “I like America and am a fan of America … I like the chance to be here… I hope I can have a good experience … I think this is good for my life … I hope we have a good time here, me, the team, and the fans.” MatthSus on Keeping Fit: “I make my training every day, and I go in the park and jog on off days. I go to a doctor when I have problems, as I’ve done over the last 20 years.” MatthSus on how Much he has Seen of MLS: “I have seen MLS games, MetroStars games, and we have good players for next season … I hope we have a good time and win the games.” MatthSus on Fitting in and Becoming a Leader for the MetroStars: “For me in America, you play with a lot of good players, not a big difference from Germany … The U.S. national team plays very well … I must play well.” “I don’t like the name leader … We are a team and it takes more than a leader to win games … It is important that we have good players, 22 players, four-to-five good coaches, and management … When we go all one way, we can win games, win a championship in America.” Stillitano on MatthSus Possibly Becoming Player/Coach: “We’ve talked at length about Lothar becoming a player/coach … He didn’t even want to be considered … Lothar wants to put all his energies on just playing, getting used to the players.” “We’d be foolish not to pick his brain on who the coach will be and listen to an experienced voice … Any new coach has to respect Lothar and respect what he’s done … Lothar has said he wants to help the new coach doing anything he can do. ” Stillitano on a Timetable for Naming a Coach: “We’ve had several candidates in, and we should have all the preliminary interviews done by next week … Our announcement could be as early as next week or possibly the week after that.” MLS Cup ’99 November 21 at Foxboro Stadium 1:30 p.m. ET, live on ABC