Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America - #301: Niko Tsakiris interview

Episode Date: July 21, 2022

Quick interview. He was the youngest player on the U20 team that won the Concacaf Championship in style earlier this month. He made his MLS debut in March. We talked about being a coach's son, getting an EU passport, and his favorite player (will surprise you).support Scuffed on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedjoin the Discord: https://discord.gg/X6tfzkM8XU buy our merch: https://my-store-11446477.creator-spring.com/drop us a question at this link and we’ll try to answer it: https://forms.gle/rfzSEZJwsvnWSCxW7 Skip the ads! Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon and get all episodes ad-free, plus any bonus episodes. Patrons at $5 a month or more also get access to Clip Notes, a video of key moments on the field we discuss on the show, plus all patrons get access to our private Discord server, live call-in shows, and the full catalog of historic recaps we've made: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.comAnd check out our MERCH, baby. We have better stuff than you might think: https://www.scuffedhq.com/store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the Scuff podcast, where we talk about U.S. soccer. Our guest today is Nico Chakiris, the youngest member of the Concaf champion and World Cup and Olympics-bound U-20 U.S. men's national team. He just turned 17, but he had a significant role in the team, appearing in five out of seven matches and starting three, including the final. He scored three goals and assisted one playing as sort of a busy technical midfielder. He made his MLS debut in early March. and has made four appearances for the San Jose earthquakes,

two of which were starts in U.S. Open Cup, where he scored a goal against Bay City's FC. Nico, welcome to scuffed. Aside from the sweet taste of victory, what do you take away from the tournament in Honduras? No, well, first off, thank you for having me. And as well as Honduras goes, it was a wonderful experience for myself and the group.

And obviously, to come away champions was an even better feeling for everyone involved. In your view, you know, So a lot of us were pleased with the style of the soccer that you guys played as a team. And I wonder if you could give us your perspective on, you know, how did Mikey Varus get that kind of performance out of you guys? What did he do to encourage that kind of soccer? Yeah, for sure. I think a lot of the guys have worked with Mikey before.

So going into camp and leading up to our first couple games, we really focused in tactically and to kind of nail down the detail. before our first game. And from then on, it was, it was, you know, pretty, the group was confident in our ability, both tactically and technically. So Mikey definitely put an influence on how we want to play, and the guys responded well, and I think it showed.

If you can remember and you can explain it, what were some of the details you had to nail down before that first game? Was it positioning or, you know, triggers for movement? I think his biggest one was working as a group collectively and how Mikey wants us to play. It's a pretty high-pressed group, but the biggest one for him was just to do everything collectively, you know, moving the play forward and pressing. So that was his biggest influence was just doing everything as a group.

One thing I was impressed with from your game is your willingness to move off the ball, your interest in passing and then moving, which is not always, you know, not always the case, even with seasoned professionals. So I wonder, is that something you're thinking about out there? Is that something you take pride in? Or am I just talking a lot of nonsense? No, I think it's been, you know,

something that I've definitely added to my game for sure, you know, being with San Jose. And, you know, Mikey likes a lot of movement off the ball. So I think it also helped me, you know, be with the group a little bit and add something a little different. But it's definitely something that I've added to my game these past couple of years and just kind of learned to be a little bit more effective, both on and off the ball. Which of your teammates impressed you in the tournament? I know you could give a lot of names. I could too, but maybe pick a couple you feel like you can really talk about in terms of the way they influence a game.

Sure. I mean, obviously the big one is Paxson, right? He was a major part of the group and him getting the golden ball and golden boot was fantastic and super happy for him. But listen, I feel like everyone played a massive part in us doing so well and us having success. So for us to nail down a couple of people, it's tough. But the biggest one, the easiest highlight is Paxson just because of the awards he was given. But like I said, everyone played a massive role in the group doing well and having success. So to point out a view, I don't think would be fair.

All right. That's good. That's a good safe answer. I guess I was impressed with the chemistry in the midfield. Whether it was you and Alex, whether McGlynn was in there or Luna, seemed like that was, there was a lot of understanding between the midfielders and how to combine and stuff. Yeah, I think Mikey, you know, really touched on that. And just, you know, like I said in the beginning, just having a feeling for the game.

and working as a unit. And you definitely create a bond with the guys in your position and the guys around you. You know, as a tournament goes on and training every day, leading up to our first game, you connect, you know, both on and off the field. You know, I think it's important for you to, you know, have success on the field. So I think the group in general was pretty tight. And like I said, I think that's why we had success in the tournament. So this is a question from, like I said, I told you before we started, I'm going to throw a few listener questions at you.

This is from Nate from Oregon. He asked, what have Gibo and Jackson Ewell told you about playing for the national team, if anything? Yeah, no, before I went to qualifying, you know, Jackson and J-Bo both being, you know, in and around that U-20 group for a bit. and Jackson, coming back from that qualifying cycle, it was just great to hear from them and give me some words of wisdom for sure. And they said, just enjoy the moment, enjoy it, get after it, and come back a champion and all of that I did. So that was fantastic for those guys to kind of say something to me before I left.

It was pretty cool and made me realize how special it is to wear this crust. Okay, Drew and Houston asks, what was Greg Burhalter's role when he came down to the U-20 qualifying tournament? Did he interact with the team much? Was he involved with training or, you know, pre-game or anything like that? Yeah, when he came in, he gave the guys, you know, a couple words before, I want to say it was our Cuba game or Canada game, I believe. And he was just saying, like, listen, guys, it's a wonderful opportunity that you guys have in front of me. view and make the most of it. And obviously having him there, it's a special moment too because just of who he is

and how successful our men's team is doing right now. So it definitely gave the guys a boost of confidence with him being there. And I think it was definitely influential for the group. This is from Tom in Duluth, Minnesota, way up north. The U.S. program has talked about integrating principles of play from the the senior team down to the youngest, you know, under 15 programs, I suppose. Was there, as in your, you know, in your experience with the program, has there been discussion or connection to the senior team in the way you talk about,

you know, the game model or was there like film of the U.S. of the full team used to demonstrate ideas? Anything like that? We try to, you know, integrate that as much as possible. and Mikey touches on it quite a bit. So we definitely try to match a style of play as our first team, as our men's team. So with the age group being so close to each other, I think it's beneficial for the guys to kind of get a taste of how the men's team wants to play if any of the guys meet the jump. So I think it's really beneficial for us to kind of have the same similar style of play and to help us.

later on to make the jump. What are some of the key differences between that way of wanting to play and the way that San Jose wants to play right now? Maybe that would illuminate it a little bit? I mean, it's different. You have a group of young guys, you know, with the national team and, you know, a lot of veteran players with San Jose. So it's definitely a different environment, I would say, in terms of how we want to play.

But listen, I think both with the national team and with San Jose, we want to be a pressing team. So I think going into qualifying with Mikey and the group, I think San Jose helped me a little bit just in terms of how we like to play at San Jose with the style of press that we have. And we like to keep possession of the ball as much as we can. And Mikey had similar principles, which was helpful for me. Okay. Standard question, I like to ask, who's a player in global soccer you and Mike? who you try to model your game after and why sure no i think right now i mean just with how young he is

and how successful he's been doing it's got to be gali for me uh with barsa um i i i just really enjoy watching him play and he just adds a spark to the game that i think you know i could implement in my game and and uh yeah with how successful he's he's been doing it's it's fun to watch for sure So I aspire to be like him as much as I can, but also, and I add some stuff to my game that makes me, you know, individually a little bit better. But, yeah, I love to watch him play and try to add as much stuff as I can from him. That's a great answer. I was afraid you were going to say Cristiano Ronaldo or something. A big name.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You've made a few appearances for the first team in San Jose, like I mentioned at the top. And then it's been a lot of the first half of the season with the U-20s. What is the staff's message in San Jose to you about, you know, the path to more minutes, more appearances and becoming, like, getting an even greater role there? Yeah, I think right now with the group with the interim still here, you know, it's a tricky situation right now with the club. There's a lot of moving parts at the moment. So, I mean, for me, individually, just keeping my head down and putting everything into training and just try to work for my spot with the group right now. But I think right now, with the interim still being here and trying to get minutes with the second team as much as I can if I'm not getting first team minutes.

So they've been helpful with that for sure. So it's been fine with me kind of being with the same as I right now and getting minutes with first team. and still being able to be first team minutes as much as I can. So ultimately, first team minutes are most important. But if you're not getting those and, you know, me being still a youngster, getting any minutes is helpful. You're on the game day squad pretty clearly for the first team. So not too far away.

Jamie Hill in Boston asks, how has your identity as a player and experience with the game been shaped by being a coach's son. And I do have some follow-up questions on this too. Okay. No, I think, you know, with my dad being in my corner since I was really young, it's been super helpful and he's been super influential in my life, both on and off the field, just being a good guy and, you know, enjoying what you do every day.

It's not very often that a 16-year-old, 17-year-old gets to be a professional. So, you know, taking that in every day and trying to be. trying to make the most of it, I think is key. And, you know, obviously with him being around and as much as he has been, it's been great. And just helping me both on and off the field, both sides of the game, it's been great. I've got kids and I want to pass on my love for the game to them. They're a lot younger than you. I think the oldest is about to turn seven.

But I do wonder, like, how did your dad, obviously your dad passed his love for the game on to you. How do you do that without pushing too hard or, you know, how did he strike that balance? It's like letting you discover it, but also obviously he wanted you to like soccer. I think the biggest one is that there was never really any pressure from him. His goal was never really for me to become a pro. But his message has always been, you know, whatever it may be, soccer, baseball, basketball, writing, painting, whatever it is that you enjoy doing, make the most of it and strive to be the best.

And that's always been his message. So I wouldn't say that there was any pressure that I felt from him, you know, to work hard and train every day and just wear me out. And the love has to be there first. And I think if you're not enjoying what you're doing, then it's time to move on and find something else. But that was never the case with me and football.

So it just made it easy. Sounds like a good dad. Was it a lot, like when you were little, was it a lot? I've had this question asked a lot in our Discord server. And it's something I wish I'd asked some other players. But like when you first started playing, was it a lot of just like free play? Or were you practicing three times a week when you were five? or like how did that work?

No, for me, you know, I was training with my dad, you know, almost every day. And then I was playing rec, I think, up until the age of 10. So training with him almost every day with his club team. And then getting, you know, games on the weekends with AYSO. And then, yeah, started really playing like competitive around, you know, 10. And then obviously things kind of happen rather quickly. from there. So, but yeah, I never really, it was never super competitive for me up until the age of 10, 11, I would say.

Hmm. You weren't doing, you weren't doing everyday practice when you were five either? No, no. You were going to your dad's practices and like kind of participating with like probably older kids. Yeah, participating in the side. He kind of set up some cones from you when I was little and just kind of going through there, juggling and just kind of messing around with the ball. Like I said, you know, the left of the game.

game has to be there first if you want to go anywhere. Okay. All right. Two of our listeners asked a similar question out, so I'll read them both and you can sort of take the answer, whichever direction you like. Sammy and Boston asks, what role within midfield do you see yourself playing at your peak? Do you have a preferred position? And then Tim, Tim from Philadelphia asked a similar question.

He said, what has been the progression of positions you have played? Have you always been a midfielder? Does your game fit best somewhere in that 6, 8, 10 mold? Like is it a, are you, do you consider yourself a six, an eight or a ten long term? Right. I don't know. That's been a tricky one. I would say I think San Jose prefers me at a 10.

And then Mikey likes me more of an eight. But yeah, I never really played in the midfield. I always played almost as a right wing growing up. And then always like to come in on my left foot. Yeah. So then my coach was like, well, listen, you come in so much. for just going to have you be in the middle. And it just kind of felt right for me.

And so in terms of me playing what's my preferred position, I prefer playing the 10, but ultimately you're still playing the game. And, you know, it doesn't matter to me because you're still playing. There's one ball and everyone, 22 guys on the field. So, but yeah, I like scoring goals, creating assists and creating moments for the group. So I would say I prefer playing 10. 10.

Okay. Well, you know, an 8 on a very dominant side is basically a 10, right? Right. Right. Ryan from Manhattan wants me to be clear, not Kansas, New York City, said, Coach Varas has talked about the open door to youth national team players for development outside of camps, breaking down clips, et cetera. What has been your experience with that development system and have you taken advantage of it?

No, he's been great to work with. super, super open and honest with how, you know, he likes me and, you know, going into camp, he was very, very helpful just in terms of, hey, if you need anything for me, when you go back to San Jose, like, please let me know whether it's things happening with San Jose or me or you want to go over clips. So he's been, he's been great on that side of the field and super, super helpful. just to really understand how he wants to play. I think it's been super beneficial for me. And also creating that relationship with him,

I think it's been super positive. So he's been super helpful. Okay. Let me ask something slightly controversial. What did K do to make everybody mad from Costa Rica after that kid? Was he just waving at him? Was that all it was? I think so.

I didn't really get all of it. I know he was kind of behind me or a little diagonal to me behind my left shoulder. So I didn't get the full view of what happened. But I want to say he was just kind of waving and things started. But I really don't know. Okay. Have you given him any crap about that since he got back? Oh, of course.

Of course. Of course, yeah. Poor guy. He seems like a nice dude. Yeah, he's great. last question sort of sort of brushing i assume you're greek heritage right yes was it your my grandfather my grandfather's greek and my grandmother's portuguese yeah okay so does that mean you have a EU passport or you could uh i am right there to get my Portuguese okay um so you're working

easier to get that. So yeah, I'm like right there. I think I have turned in all my paperwork already, so it should be coming soon. Cool. Well, Andre and Utah wanted to know if you've ever watched the Greek run to win the Euros in 2004. I guess you were not alive. I was not born yet.

I was not born yet. But, you know, there are ways to go back and watch that. Does your grandfather talk about that or your dad? Yeah, there's a ton of. a passion on that side for sure. Watch the highlights of the game and, you know, a pretty special moment for that country to beat Spain. So, yeah, what a moment for the country.

All right. Anything, I like to ask this to anything you wish I had asked you? No, I think, I mean, we got what we needed out of the conversation. If there's anything else that you need to ask me, year one asked me i'm open i guess i guess one thing is just to more directly ask like what's your what's your aspiration on where you want to play um i mean it seems like the future is very bright do you want to do you want to play in europe um and how quickly you know sure no i i think everyone's dream is to play in europe um but with me being young and um listen i'm still here with san

Jose and my goal is to play here first and and be with the team as much as I can. And, you know, eventually if I make the jump great and if not, you know, have a career in the MLS. But things take time. So just taking taking it day by day and things will progress if you work hard and put your head down. And so I believe good things happen to people that work hard. So that's just kind of been my been my goal this season and um listen i'm only 17 years old so i i have some time you do hopefully yes yeah hey nico thank you very much for doing this um all the best to you thank you for having me i appreciate it see yeah