| | CLAREMONT, Calif. -- His stormy relationship with former U.S. coach Steve Sampson behind him, John Harkes is back on the national team and set to play against Iran in Sunday's exhibition game.
"I think John is having a bit of a rebirth in the game right
now," said coach Bruce Arena, who took over after Sampson resigned
following the last-place finish by the U.S. team at the 1998 World
Cup.
"John seems very comfortable with where he's at, and I think he
still has the experience and ability to help us," said Arena,
Harkes' former coach at the University of Virginia and D.C. United.
"He came to camp pretty fit, with a great attitude. I think we
like everything we see about him, his attitude on the field and his
approach to things."
Harkes, a 32-year-old midfielder, was a starter during the 1990
and '94 World Cups.
But, after helping the team make it through qualifying and to
into the '98 World Cup in France, he was cut by Sampson two months
before the tournament. Sampson claimed Harkes, the team captain,
wasn't in shape and had a bad attitude.
"That was an all-time low for me," recalled Harkes, resting on
a bench after a U.S. practice in Claremont. "I was torn apart
because of the anger I felt toward the way I was treated by Steve
and everything else, and it seemed like nobody could do anything
about it. It wasn't just about myself; I felt for the team, so
every game they were playing I was torn apart in both ways."
The Americans, who advanced to the second round of the '94 World Cup in Pasadena, went 0-3 in France as many veterans sniped at their coach.
"The unity had been there, and unfortunately it was torn apart
in the '98 World Cup," Harkes said. "Even coaches from other
countries were saying you can't disrupt the team when they've been
built together from qualifying stages, tear it apart, that when you
do that, there's not going to be the commitment to each other, that
unity and harmony that is the team system."
Harkes rejoined the national team last July and played when the United States turned in a strong performance in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico. The Americans beat Germany 2-0 before a 1-0 overtime loss to Mexico in the semifinals.
"Bruce said, 'Look, this is our first major tournament, let's
put '98 behind us,' and I think we did that with a great
performance down in Mexico," Harkes said. "Now the team is back
together for the first time since then, and this is our first step,
against Iran."
Harkes wrote a book, "Captain for Life and Other Temporary
Assignments," about his disagreements with Sampson. He seems to be
thoroughly enjoying his "rebirth."
"Bruce knows what I can do and has given me a chance to come in
and play," said Harkes, who has played 89 games for the national
team. "Now, whatever role I play, whether it be as a sub or
whether I start, it's good to be involved and have an opportunity
to possibly wear the jersey again. It's a tremendous honor."
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