“@Nico_Estevez_: Looking forward to begin my new project with Columbus Crew Sc as the Director of Methodology #mls” And no I have no idea what the that is,but we got one.
Sounds like the equivalent of a football quality control coach. Those guys are low level types. Maybe he is more of a data analytics sort?
That was my guess, too. If I recall correctly, analytics was one thing which Precourt liked about Berhalter. Perhaps as an organization they're considering a greater reliance on analytics, exploiting market inefficiencies, and all that.
Ya think? When they get to the assistant to the assistant director of fan retention, we know they're up to something.
Any Spanish speakers who can translate this? Also 2:30 into it they are playing Surfin' USA by the Beach Boys. http://www.spreaker.com/user/mofejo/charla-con-nico-este-vez-columbus-crew INFO: Nico Estevez goes to make the Americas. The Valencia coach has signed for SC Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer . We talk your way through Hurricane Valencia and Valencia CF , gives his opinion on the quarry ' che' and players who could be on the first team in the short term and tells how their work will consist in the capital of Ohio. Do not the you can lose, knows a lot.
I had a Crew fan translate the interview above. I am interested in what Nico is suppose to do and what his role at the club will be. Thus far we really have no information so I was hoping this interview would tell us something. He got connected with MLS last year. Apparently different MLS teams send coaches around Europe and one of their stops was at Valencia. He spent a good deal of time with these coaches during their time with Valencia. Does not say if the Crew had anyone there during this time. (imagine we did not or he would have said something about it) Berhalter contacted him to see what Spanish players might be available during the winter transfer window. This was their first conversation. He said they began to talk more about football, share reports, and general converse about the game. Berhalter called him in August and said he wanted to bring him here to Columbus to have him re-work the academy. Sounds like Gregg doesn't think the academy is functioning like it needs to. Berhalter and Nico talked about the need to develop players from the academy who can play for the first team. Since the Crew are not one of the richest teams this is an important area of focus. Berhalter wants to ensure there is a tactical and philosophical similarity between the youth teams and the first team. He come over and visited this fall. Spent time with all the academy teams and the 1st team. He thought the club really showed its professionalism with how he was treated during his time here. He is currently learning the culture GB wants and how youth development operates in the US. How culturally we do things. He understands things are much different than in Spain compared to here. Wants to make sure he understands how we do things. He said he is trying to master the language (no idea if he speaks any English yet or not) He will work with the 1st team down to the youth teams in terms of philosophy and tactics He was asked if he will be bringing any Spanish players over to develop. He said no. Spanish players have the dream to make it in Spain. He will NOT be in charge of personnel decisions. He will give his opinion if asked but that is not his role He is currently doing the paperwork for immigration etc. He has a wife and 2 kids who will be coming with him. He is asked how long he will be in Columbus. He said because of the position it could be an infinite amount of time. Did mention he was surprised with how much care has been shown to him since he has arrived. Other take aways from just judging what he said. These are not things he directly said. Sounds like he is/was considered a young bright footballing mind. He seems very fluid in terms of how things should be done. Is not coming with a rigid system or view to implement but rather taking his experience and knowledge and leveraging it into what we do in the US. Sounds like him and Berhalter really get along and view the game the same way. Doesn't appear that he will be coaching any teams. Seems like he will work mainly with the academy coaches and teams but will be around the 1st team as well.