Vela has zero interest in shining. He openly states that doesn't enjoy the sport and simply treats football as a business.
I think you could cut that down to "As long as he collects a paycheck everything works well for him".
https://rodentblaster.com/hot-deals...GgFiMZ4nta-YZ0SSU_D2_RO1IgYwlb8UaAtzdEALw_wcB I wonder if the "reconditioned unit" came from a (posthumous) estate sale?
A source has indicated to the Denver Post that the Colorado Rapids will appoint their permanent head coach tomorrow morning.More details to follow as soon as they come in. #Rapids96— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) August 25, 2019
There's been maybe less talk about Sam Vines than there should be by now, given that he's a 20-year-old Homegrown LB who's been very good defensive and very solid with his passing since getting into the XI.This ball here is obviously a step beyond "solid." Very, very nice. pic.twitter.com/bE6fvxiocF— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) August 25, 2019
And it’s official: We’ve got a new man in charge. Welcome to Colorado, Robin Fraser!#Rapids96 | #WelcomeRobin— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 25, 2019
I like Fraser he has experience now and he played here both with the Colorado Foxes and the Rapids. I’ve met him a couple times back then. Congrats!
Article with his history & Style he will bring https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019...n-fraser-again-shows-hes-not-afraid-challenge Fraser played conservatively, a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 formation that was very much defense-first. Some of that likely came from Fraser's experience as a defender and an affection for taking care of the back to build in attack later. ...Most of all, Fraser's time as an assistant has provided perspective on a league that has made substantial changes since 2012. He played a big role in molding tactics both at the Red Bulls and Toronto FC, which helped both clubs win trophies – a Supporters' Shield, the Red Bulls' first, and a domestic treble at TFC, the first in league history. It seems unlikely he'll use a 4-5-1 or even a 4-4-2 with the Rapids most of the time, and given the penchant of Toronto FC to make major tactical changes, he'll likely be more flexible with approach, formation and tactics this go-around.
Looks like Kei and Sierra Leone have made up and he'll be joining the team for their World Cup Qualifier next month. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49482004 Also Abdul Rwatubyaye will be joining Rwanda for their World Cup Qualifiers next month. https://www.futaa.com/article/19146...rwanda-name-squad-for-seychelles-doubleheader
I've been stuck on an overwhelming feeling of 'meh' towards Fraser's hiring over the last few days. Not that I don't think he can be a good coach in MLS (I certainly don't hold his tenure at Chivas against him), but rather because of his general lack of experience leading a first team. Obviously he's had a great last few years with Toronto, but seeing perpetual bottom-table teams like San Jose go big with their hires (and significantly improve as a result) has really tempered my reaction to Fraser. It's just surprising more than anything because - surely - Smith must know his job is on the line if Colorado doesn't make the playoffs in '20. You'd think the decision would lead to someone who's a bit more well-known/established. Can Fraser actually lead this team to the playoffs? The talent I'd say is there - even if, by some ridiculous occurrence, no DPs get signed this offseason. Overall, I feel underwhelmed like when Hudson first joined. I feel like the Rapids are once again banking on that moneyball hire exceeding expectations. But the reality is that MLS's cap restrictions apply only to the players on the roster, so there's absolutely no excuse for skimping out on a coach - especially considering Kroenke's pockets and how important coaches are in this league. I wish Fraser the best and deeply hope that I am wrong, but "excited" would not be a word I would use to describe my reaction to this hire. Is that fair? Have I completely misjudged Fraser?
I respect Fraser and hope he is successful here but I share in your hesitation. The move - and ultimately Fraser - come off as a trial with hopes of a high ceiling. The issue with unproven former players taking over as boss is there is also a significant floor and it can go oh-so-wrong. There are numerous examples of this throughout the league but you don't have to look beyond New England and their trials before bringing in Arena. This club is still living in the leagues past and taking a risk which can lower the floor just doesn't come off as the right move. Again, I hope Fraser can excel here and can right the ship but I feel as though they should have gone with a more proven manager. If he comes out of the gate lukewarm, it may do more damage than good as supporters settle into the thought of "here we go again".
I think we have to be careful when judging "Smith" vs. "the club". Smith may have been told "you have this much $ to work with" which may have prevented him from going big. That's not his fault. That is the club's fault in the form of "KSE isn't spending enough" but the Rapids can only do what KSE lets them do.
Really agree especially re. coach salary not hitting cap space, just organization's bottom line and winning can impact that more -- but anyone with more than 10 posts here knows the Rapids were not going to pay big money for a 'name' coach. And besides there are plenty potential case studies out there showing that may or may not work. I don't think so, the new coach smell lets him hit reset yet again and as long as there is improvement -- this year's start almost guarantees that -- he gets to stay through the 'rebuild' to see it all come to fruition in 2021 (or the year after that when things really gel, or the year after that when the 'new' bad contracts come off the books, etc. etc.). If Fraser doesn't succeed Smith may 'own' it but not in the first year of a minimum of two they'll give him even if he is really bad (see Hudson, Anthony Patrick).
Team news: We have a few familiar faces back in the fold.We've recalled @colebassett19 and @seb_anderson6 from @SwitchbacksFC.@mattyhundley, @sammy_raben18 (Switchbacks FC) and @nick_jackson9 (@Independence) are also in training today.#Rapids96 | #Elevate pic.twitter.com/Jiy9kkVTJ5— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 27, 2019
That's been the SOP with the Springs though. Irwin has done it a couple of times as has Seb I believe.
Padrig just confirmed what I had heard. The Rapids offered both the top assistant role and the Switchbacks head coaching role to Conor Casey but Casey has decided to leave the organization to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Kei Kamara recalled by Sierra Leone as disciplinary ban lifted https://t.co/sV71Z4WvnQ— Proudly African (@african_world) August 27, 2019
Well, of the 17 MLS players called up to the USMNT for their upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay - which are also their final matches before CONCACAF Nations League - no Rapids were named. I wonder if this will light an additional fire under Acosta and Lewis. I know they’re gonna be looking to play their hearts out to make a good impression on Fraser, but now that they didn’t get a second call up this year they may be looking to get in good favor again with Berhalter too. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...layers-for-matches-against-mexico-and-uruguay
At this point neither Lewis nor Acosta has shown me that they're national team quality players. Each has been good in spots, but Lewis can't hold down a starting role and Acosta is too up-and-down.