QA: Marcus Hahnemann

Why soccer?

I played baseball, American football, soccer and basketball in junior high back in Seattle, but when I was 15 I decided to concentrate on one. Soccer’s not considered to be a man’s sport in the United States because no one knows anything about it, especially the commentators. Most of them still call headers “head shots” — that’s how bad it is.

Why become a goalkeeper?

In the States, being “the goalminder” is a very sought-after position. It’s not like here in Britain, where everyone thinks there’s something wrong with you if you want to go in goal.

You’re an all-American boy. You’re into guns, cars and heavy metal. Are you packing a piece?

In this country? You gotta be kidding. The only people who are allowed to carry guns in this country are criminals. It’s different back home. I’ve got a gun safe and when I open it, everything falls out. I’ve got about 17 guns — a couple of AR15s, semi-autos, compact 45s, old-style Western revolvers. I used to make my own bullets, too.

Most people grow out of heavy metal when they stop using Clearasil. How come you’re still a metalhead?

Man, I’m into my music. I dig Tool, Slipknot, Jane’s Addiction, \ Zeppelin — anything heavy. When I want to chill out, I put on something soft like the Foo Fighters.

Any other headbangers at Reading?

Unfortunately not, but Kasey Keller, the Fulham keeper, loves metal. He’s into even heavier stuff than me. If I need something heavy I put on some Slipknot, but he’s into harder stuff, like Disturbed.

Strictly Come Dancing or X-Factor?

Neither, man. I prefer to scare people by driving round Berkshire really slowly in my white Porsche with Slipknot blaring out of my speakers.

White Porsche? Isn’t that a bit 1980s?

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with white cars. I rebuilt most of my Porsche 944 myself. My team-mates can’t stand it and they give me a load of abuse for driving a piece of crap, but I love getting my hands dirty in the garage with a couple of beers.

Finally, have you ever seen Steve Coppell smile?

You’ll have to buy my new book, Marcus Hahnemann’s Premiership Diary, to find out, but he’s a great manager. Reading wouldn’t be in the Premier League without him.

Interview by Kaveh Solhekol