After a week when he publicly feuded with head coach Colin Clarke and demanded to be traded, FC Dallas defender Chris Gbandi said he has put those events behind him and is focusing on working his way back into the Hoops defensive rotation.
"It's water under the bridge," Gbandi said. "Obviously, I was a little frustrated. I want to play like everyone else here, but got a little carried away. I apologized to the guys.
"I'm just going to do my job for as long as I'm here. I'm going to make the most of the situation. If given an opportunity to go and help the guys, I'm going to make the most of it."
Last Tuesday, Gbandi stormed off the practice field in the middle of training with a tirade about reduced playing time after being sent off April 23 against Kansas City. Then, on Friday, he informed Clarke he wanted to be traded.
Gbandi was ejected in the 68th minute against K.C. for a hard tackle against Davy Arnaud, which then led to suspension the following week against D.C. United.
The next weekend, the Hoops traveled to Houston, which happens to be Gbandi's hometown. The top overall pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft was clearly disappointed that he didn't return to the back four in his first game back from suspension.
Gbandi did enter the game as a late-game substitution, hitting the field in the 86th minute. But seeing such little action in his hometown added to his frustration.
"I think (it added to it) a little bit because I had a lot of friends and family coming to see me play (in Houston)," he said. "Honestly, I just can't let personal things come before the team. I talked to the coaches and to the team. I also apologized to the guys. It is pretty much done."
Gbandi said his focus now is on returning to the top form he was showing before his red card against the Wizards. The fifth-year defender had started the first four games of the season and was playing well at left back.
"It's about just trying to get back there," he said. "Obviously, sometimes when you get dropped from the team, confidence drops a little bit. Right now, I'm trying to deal with that but playing in the reserve games helps. I feel like I'm getting back to that stage again where I'm getting my confidence back and getting my legs back."
Clarke said the matter is closed and doesn't warrant any further discussion.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
