winterbadger | (no subject)

D.C. United teenager Freddy Adu said yesterday that he overreacted last weekend when he complained about his recent lack of playing time and that he and Coach Peter Nowak have had constructive conversations about his role this week.

Adu, who turned 15 a month ago, played a season-low 14 minutes during Saturday's 1-1 tie with the Dallas Burn -- the third straight game he's played less than 30 minutes. Afterward, he told reporters at the Cotton Bowl that he was disappointed how late he had been entering games and that he found it difficult to contribute in those late stages.

Yesterday, however, he said, "I was [frustrated] because it was after the game and I wasn't really thinking. I was mad. But we talked about it, resolved the situation and now everything is back to normal.

"[Nowak] just told me to be patient. He's just trying to help me out, he's on my side. So now I'm going to just try to stay calm and be patient and when I do get my chance, I take advantage of it. I've just got to work hard, keep my mouth shut and play both sides of the ball, and everyone will respect you."

more here

This kid constantly impresses me with how mature and grounded he is, especially for a 15 year old with $1.5 million in his pocket. "I've got to work hard, keep my mouth shut, and be patient." Hell, I can think of plenty of adults who could stand to say that to themselves more often (including probably me).