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New York Red Bulls' head coach Mike Petke took a moment on Thanksgiving Day to tweet a family picture:
Celebrating Thanksgiving at home with family and in-laws. So much to b thankful for. Hope u all enjoy this day. pic.twitter.com/sVBJmzbHnS
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Not quite in the same league as Tim Cahill and BWP, but nice all the same.
The tweet drew a comment, and a response:
@mattinthehat10 yes. My youngest only wants elbow patches. My oldest is loyal to the vests. In the DNA
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Killing time before the big meal clearly put Petke in a chatty mood. He initiated an impromptu Q&A on Twitter, and we all got a chance to learn a little more about the man.
Mike on squad management:
@dh7_ it's a possibility. Don't want to show my cards
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@RwhiteL a lot on 1 hand, but not at all on another
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@sneal11 because he reads the game phenomenally and has been 1 of our most steady players over 2 months
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
He wasn't minded to shy away from the hard questions, even if the answers weren't always in sync with previous accounts:
@mls2usmnt as a coach of almost 30 players I was sure I did. Obviously it didn't reach BWP ears. I take responsibility
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Mike on general tactics:
@reedmardon36 defensive balance throughout the 11 always and the gameplan
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@JeffreyKleiman not our style, but how we approach the game and what areas we want to focus on
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@JohnnyBitetto keep your head
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Mike on future roles in the squad:
@WyCampbell who says he's not? Only time will tell
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@rbnyrob I would say absolutely. Bright future
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@ChoocherTrain I see a bright future, but it all comes down to him
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@JessicaIannetta Connor Lade. He's a phenomenal kid and the same size as them.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Mike on his own future:
@GardenStGooners considering I turned down the ManU job, I don't need to worry about the FA Cup
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@ainslieann keep supporting. And when I'm fired, hopefully 20 years from now, buy me a drink at the stadium
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@TrueBlueInNY anything is possible
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Mike on his past:
@kevinalwell very but it was an important goal for us
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@crosen26 so many great players. But for me, Ryan Nelson. He was amazing
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
In keeping with the occasion, he gave a little thanks:
@benantell it's the biggest honor and what gives me the most satisfaction
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@robbydengel the conversations I've had with him
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@GoretiSantos1 too many things. Dream come true
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
My opinion is that we have the best and most loyal supporters. That's what I'm thankful for.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
He mixed in some advice:
@SeanMonaghanPDX always welcome but Caleb Porter is in your backyard and a great coach to learn from
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@EmpireOfSoccer maybe a trim
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
He was reluctant to take a compliment, and uncertain about accepting invitations:
@ChoocherTrain I'm not. But love that u said that
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@garyhampson hahaha. It would take me having a second free…. And an invite
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@ChrisRav I am banned due to my run in with Elmo in 2009
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
Petke's history with Elmo is worth further reading. Back on Twitter, the coach tried not to play favorites:
@oscartaborda16 2 world class players.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@bryanballsaq that's like asking who my favorite son is.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@gubnageer I see and respect both sides. Not sure all teams have infrastructure to be promoted.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
But he would admit to having an interest in teams other than RBNY:
@chris_booth16 Dortmund
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@MikeIozzia of course. I have a loyalty to Arsenal because Mr Wenger took hours to speak with me about tactics and is one of the best
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
And on the subject of food and drink, he was very specific:
@beertography not a beer guy. So go with Miller Lite. #beerpong
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@beertography double grey goose, tonic splash of sprite
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
@RaceCarJones cappi ham, genoa salami, provolone, onions, tomato, mayo, spicy must on a seeded sub
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
We got a favorite movie nomination:
@RaceCarJones so many. Right now in this moment I will say The a outlaw Josey Wales
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
And a hint of what his least favorite sweater pattern might be:
@DrAngeloLove ARGYLE??? Maybe 2
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
And we learned the coach believes he hasn't lost too much strength since his playing days:
@VoteMcCabe over/under is 53 yards. Depending on wind
— @petkemike (@petkemike) November 27, 2014
That was about it. A relatively brief exchange between a coach and a surprising number of fans all hanging out on Twitter while the turkey was in the oven.
Thanks for making the time, Mike!