This is the key. I got into an argument with a Revs fan on Twitter who always we can't compare the Revs to LA/Seattle, etc (the higher spending teams), which I find to be a dumb argument, but he also said we can't compare them to teams like Dallas? Then who the hell do we compare them to? Boston City?
Honest question for everyone: What might those differentiators be? What would you say to a potential player that would convice him to sign here instead of some other random MLS team not in a "glamour" market? Good quality of life, no on is going to kidnap your family, you get paid what your contract actually says, and on time... Sure, that's all good, but everyone else can offer that too. Why should you come here? Psycho Lekic saw the stadium and was fooled to think we were as big of a club as Borussia Dortmund, but that bubble burst his first game when he realized that it was the other team with the Revolutionary War theme and the same colors is actually the straw that stirs the drink.
And as we marvel at the players Atlanta has been able to recruit, it should not go unnoticed that their coach is Tata Martino. He's both a symbol of the club having ambitious plans and someone who's proven he can get players operating at an extremely high level. I haven't been a frequent critic of Heaps (because I think Burns' is the head that needs to roll in this organization), but if the Krafts want to attract players based on being a great destination, then they need a name manager. Manuel Pellegrini and Andre Villas-Boas are over in China these days. That's a big part of why players are willing to take the money to play on crap teams (because the coaches hopefully will make those teams not so crap). Roberto Mancini and Bob Bradley are out there. A real stadium would help too.
Miguel Herrera reiterates that it'd be "interesting" to coach in MLS February 8, 2017, 11:42AM EST Sam Stejskal
That chart should have a box at the beginning "Is your team the New England Revolution" --->"Darn! Looks like you can't get that player on your roster."
Pretty cool. That's should be a useful tool for GMs. Seriously, that's the most clear/concise presentation of the rules that I've seen.
For those (like myself) drooling over all the young internationals Atlanta has signed, a word of caution from Matt: Armchair Analyst: Be excited for Atlanta United, but keep perspective February 7, 2017, 6:28PM EST Matthew Doyle Although I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs this year, I think they more likely will follow a pattern similar to NYC (miss playoffs year 1, 2nd in the East year 2).
Their roster make-up is very different than NYCFC's. City relied heavily on three older DPs, with Lampard and Pirlo both making limited impacts in year one after joining midway through the year and struggling with injuries. I expect Atlanta to fair much better than NYCFC did.
Not to mention Martino is their coach. Not that Patrick Viera isn't good but he does not have anywhere close to the same coaching experience, having previously only managed the Man City reserves side. By contrast, Martino has taken Argentina to 2 Copa finals, managed Barcelona (including a clasico win), gotten to the Cola Libertadores semi, etc. He has been managing clubs since 1998 including numerous Argentina clubs and will bring that wealth of experience to Atlanta. They are going to be a force in the East if not right out of the gate then certainly down the stretch.
Would be good to see how the Gold Cup, WCQ, and FIFA windows affect the Revs schedule this year - for their opponents and if the Revs players get called away.
Source: Jack McInerney being shopped around MLS https://t.co/J1lv3vc5h1 via @Metro_US— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) February 8, 2017
have to question this kids attitude. He scores everywhere he goes so why do teams not want to keep him?
Rumors have been swirling for a while that Ali Curtis is out at RBNY. Talk about an immediate improvement over Burns; I would hire this guy in a second. Do he and Heaps know each other from their Duke days?
The distance is a challenge, but I can see it working if both clubs treat it as a season long loan, unlike the one-foot-in, one-foot-out approach of the Revs.
Any USL-MLS relationship where the MLS club doesn't have direct control over the USL club is not ideal. San Antonio is trying to make a name for themselves as they make a push for MLS; I can't imagine they'll have NYCFC's interests in mind when it comes to playing time or developing players.
Agreed. Ali Curtis strikes me as a thoughtful, data driven GM would would fit the Kremlin-like culture of KSG. I would love to have them bring him in.
MLS Transfers @MLSTransfers Source: Copenhagen forward Bashkim Kadrii to Minnesota United is completed. http://m.startribune.com/bashkim-ka...nesota-united-fc-on-year-long-loan/413215293/
Dallas add two more http://www.bigdsoccer.com/2017/2/7/14542066/fc-dallas-signs-hernan-grana-carlos-cermeno Seems like they sign a player every week.