XEREZ: ALTIDORE STILL ADAPTING

I really enjoy talking to Paco and Santi Garcia, the press officers at Xerez. I think they're not used to the international press caring about anyone at the second division side. It also reminds me of those great years I spent in Spain.




XEREZ: ALTIDORE STILL ADAPTING
Brent Latham - Thursday, February 26, 2009

American forward Josmer Altidore is still in the process of adaptation at his new club, Xerez CD, press officer Santi Garcia has told YA.

"He's had a full week of training last week and now this one," Garcia said. "He's still in the process of adapting to the scheme of the squad after being away on international duty."

Altidore was loaned to Primera A leaders Xerez from his club Villarreal, for the rest of the season, but is yet to make an appearance - or even make the bench - for the second division team.

"The decision to not use him thus far is purely a technical decision by the coach," Garcia said, adding that it would be difficult to make changes when the club is playing so well.

Xerez has won its last five in a row, a streak that started before the Altidore loan was negotiated late last month. The southerners now have a five point advantage at the top of the standings and have not lost since December.

The former NY Red Bull standout was called away on national team duty for the Mexico match earlier this month, and played the last few minutes of the Americans' 2-0 victory. Garcia said the time away hurt Altidore's acclimation to his new surroundings.

"Definitely, the time away hurt him. He was gone for a week."

Garcia said the club had not yet been contacted by the USSF about Altidore's availability for the next CONCACAF qualification date against El Salvador in late March, but he said that Altidore will have trouble breaking into the squad if he cannot stay to train consistently.

Altidore will hope to see his first action for Xerez when Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano, former home to US veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller, comes to town on Saturday.