CARSON, Calif. – Among the accomplished members on Bruce Arena’s LA Galaxy coaching staff, one of the most distinguished is goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer. After an impressive 14-year career that included stops across Europe and the United States, Feuer joined the Galaxy in 2007 as the club's goalkeeper coach and has held the position for six years.
This preseason, LA’s goalkeepers have drawn impressive reviews from the coaching staff and players as many have lauded new number one ‘keeper Carlo Cudicini for his poise and experience while backup Brian Perk has been labeled as one of the bright spots of training camp by Arena. Meanwhile, many have been impressed with the development of third string Brian Rowe, who is entering his second year as a professional.
I recently caught up with Feuer to discuss how his goalkeepers are performing this preseason and his perceptions of the three men between the pipes.
Check it out below…
(On how his goalkeepers are coming along this preseason…)
FEUER: It’s going really good. Obviously, I didn’t have Carlo last year and the only comparisons that I can make are on Fox Soccer Channel. But Perk has come along really well especially in the mental department. He’s a lot steady with decisions, his confidence, and everything. Meanwhile, the difference with Rowe is huge because all of the stuff that we worked on from last year to this year has come into fruition. I’m excited because they both have a lot of incredible potential and now that they can see someone like Carlo everyday who has been there and done that, it’s a great learning tool for him.
(On the way that Rowe has developed this preseason…)
FEUER: “Just maturity. Last year, he struggled with the pace of things and he’s getting used to the pace now, but [at 24] he’s still very young for a goalkeeper. He’s learning, but he has a really great attitude and is learning all the time.”
It’s great. Funny enough, I played against him a couple of times [in England]. To have someone of his stature and experience, it spreads throughout the whole team. I played with him when I was at West Ham and he was at Chelsea and I really liked him then because he’s calm and always has a great demeanor. That’s great to have around.”
