After
apology, Gbandi ready to move ahead
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By Steve Hunt / MLSnet.com Staff
FRISCO, Texas -- After a week when he publicly feuded with head
coach Colin Clarke and demanded to be traded, FC Dallas defender
Chris Gbandi said he has put those events behind him and is focusing
on working his way back into the Hoops defensive rotation.
"It's water under the bridge," Gbandi said. "Obviously, I was a
little frustrated. I want to play like everyone else here, but got a
little carried away. I apologized to the guys.
"I'm just going to do my job for as long as I'm here. I'm going to
make the most of the situation. If given an opportunity to go and
help the guys, I'm going to make the most of it."
Last Tuesday, Gbandi stormed off the practice field in the middle of
training with a tirade about reduced playing time after being sent
off April 23 against Kansas City. Then, on Friday, he informed
Clarke he wanted to be traded.
Gbandi was ejected in the 68th minute against K.C. for a hard tackle
against Davy Arnaud, which then led to suspension the following week
against D.C. United.
The next weekend, the Hoops traveled to Houston, which happens to be
Gbandi's hometown. The top overall pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft
was clearly disappointed that he didn't return to the back four in
his first game back from suspension.
Gbandi did enter the game as a late-game substitution, hitting the
field in the 86th minute. But seeing such little action in his
hometown added to his frustration.
"I think (it added to it) a little bit because I had a lot of
friends and family coming to see me play (in Houston)," he said.
"Honestly, I just can't let personal things come before the team. I
talked to the coaches and to the team. I also apologized to the
guys. It is pretty much done."
Gbandi said his focus now is on returning to the top form he was
showing before his red card against the Wizards. The fifth-year
defender had started the first four games of the season and was
playing well at left back.
"It's about just trying to get back there," he said. "Obviously,
sometimes when you get dropped from the team, confidence drops a
little bit. Right now, I'm trying to deal with that but playing in
the reserve games helps. I feel like I'm getting back to that stage
again where I'm getting my confidence back and getting my legs
back."
Clarke said the matter is closed and doesn't warrant any further
discussion.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. |
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