Interview by Scott Ferguson
scott@canucks-abroad.com

Marcus Haber talked to Canucks-Abroad about life in Holland, Major League Soccer and how he and his Canadian teammates made it to the Groningen's youth system.

Canucks-Abroad: Thanks for joining us. How's the campaign going at Groningen? Getting lots of games for the U-19 team?

Marcus Haber: My time at FC Groningen has been great. I'm in a very good environment for a developing player and I feel like I'm improving every week. The Dutch league is very tactical and technical, and I feel like I'm learning a lot as a player here. This season has definitely been a bit of a roller coaster ride for me. For the most part, things have gone pretty well for me when I have been on the pitch. When healthy, I've been in the starting 11 every week for the U-19's and have been able to play a few games with the reserves. Unfortunately, I also had to sit out the better part of two months earlier this season with a disc herniation injury in my back, missing about 6-7 league games, which was really tough.

Since returning from injury, I feel fully fit again and it's been paying off. I'm on 5 goals this season so far in limited games and I really hope to continue contributing to the team and scoring goals. This is my last year with the U-19's as I'm a second year A1, so hopefully next year I will continue with the club and move fully to the reserve squad and maybe gain some experience with the first team.

CA: You played as a centreback in the U-20 World Cup last summer -- are you most comfortable in that position?

MH: My preferred position and where I feel most comfortable is up front as a striker. Last season, I was used as both a centreback and a striker with both the national team and my club. Before this season I made the decision with my club to focus exclusively on playing striker, as this is the position I feel I'm the best at and where I want to pursue my future.

CA: There's a growing amount of Canadians in the Groningen youth system. What's behind it? Are the club actively scouting Canadian football?

MH: The three of us on the U-19's (Haber, Robbie Giezen and Michael Nonni) were actually all members of the same youth team when we played in Vancouver. After setting up a trial and a team trip to the Netherlands through the connections of my coach (who grew up in Groningen), the three of us were able to impress the coaches at Groningen and we all eventually signed with the club. It was just a case where our club team was very strong and FC Groningen felt that all three of us were capable at playing at the level.

CA: Along with the boys at Groningen, there's more Canadians playing in Holland than ever. Does it help having other Canadians around to offer support?

MH: Yeah, its definitely nice to know there are other Canadians abroad that are pursuing the same goals that we are. When I first arrived in the Netherlands I didn't exactly know what to expect, and of course it was a culture shock. But I feel like the transition was a lot easier having the other boys at the club with me, and Graham (Ramalho) who was already with the reserves.

CA: Obviously the U-20 World Cup last summer was a bit of a disappointment. Is this part of a bigger problem in developing Canadian talent or are we on the right track?

MH: I think the fact that we have many young players abroad can only bode well for the future of Canada Soccer.

11-A-SIDE:

1. Obviously, living and working abroad can be a big transition for anyone, especially a teenager. Are there any tips you'd offer to young players looking to make it in Europe?

MH: I guess the main message I have for young players looking to make the jump to Europe is to ask yourself how badly you want it. Soccer really has to be a love and a passion if you want to make it in Europe, because there's a lot of hard work and sacrifice that goes along with just playing soccer. I feel that players should really take a look in the mirror and ask themselves if this is what they really want to do, because if a player has enough drive along with the talent, then they've got a good chance to succeed.

2. Favourite player?
MH: Thierry Henry

3. Favourite football club?
MH: Arsenal

4. Favourite car?
MH: Bentley GT

5. Favourite film?
MH: Training Day

6. Coke or Pepsi?
MH: Coke

7. Playstation3 or Xbox?
MH: Xbox

8. Will you be cheering on Holland at the Euros this summer?
MH: France and Holland are my two teams; hopefully they can both manager to pull out of their group.

9. Imagine its 2012, the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps have joined TFC in MLS. Which of the three do you support?
MH: As a Vancouver boy that's really easy. Vancouver no doubt.

10. Do you see yourself playing in North America again, maybe at the tail end of your career? Possibly on a Vancouver MLS team?
MH: Obviously, the idea of playing in my hometown at a high level is appealing, but right now that's not something on my mind. I'm very happy right now at FC Groningen and as a young player I can only try to improve and make the most of the opportunities in front of me.

11. And finally, where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years?
MH: Playing professionally somewhere and making an impact.

I'm sure we'll hear much more from and about Marcus over the coming seasons and all of us here at CA wish him the best for the remainder of the 2007/08 season and beyond.

Marcus Haber: FC Groningen