I'm really hoping Klinsmann can take the reins of our ailing team, coupled by a restructuring of the offices to oust Lalas from his current position, or at least transfer him to another department, and finished off with some useful trades. IF we can't get Klinny though, who would you guys nominate, and why? I personally would put my vote for Guus Hiddink. I'll say it before and I'll say it again. The guy is a proven miracle worker in my opinion (again, on the chance the rumors aren't true regarding Klinsmann taking over). I mean, really, look at his credentials: Playing Credentials: -Started playing professional with Dutch team De Graafschap -Played for clubs such as PSV Eindhoven. -Has experience playing in US League. -Played for San Jose Earthquakes & the Washington Diplomats (albeit, through MLS' predecessor, the NASL). Managing Credentials: -Managed PSV Eindhoven to their first Euro Cup win. -Won 3 Eredivisie titles -Has good experience with the La Liga, managing Spanish clubs Valencia CF, Real Betis and Real Madrid. -Took the Dutch National team to the Semi-Finals for World Cup 1998 (a first I think). -Doesn't take sh*t from suits (I'm looking at you Lalas!) OR belligerent fans (one cited example is him ordering a racist banner being taken down right in the middle of the game) -Is successful at quelling petty arguments and swollen egos in teams -Is not afraid of purging the dissidents and weak spots from teams -Demands his team to have the best fitness on the pitch. His biggest shining example would have to be him taking the South Korean National Men's Team to the Semi-Finals in the 2002 World Cup. I can't even remember a time since an Asian team has progressed this far. He is also known to be a good mentor to players-just look at Ji Sung Park and Young Pyo Lee-both playing in the Premiership (Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs respectively). It was Hiddink who told Park to switch from a holding MF to Winger. I seriously think he's got the goods. Plus, ever since the 2002 World Cup, he's pretty much a demi-god for Korean Soccer fans, so that would probably draw South Korean fans to Galaxy games. His contract with the Russian National team ends in early 2008.
Sure, Gus world be nice If we could get him. He's only the best manager in the world... more realisticaly, I vote Cien.
This probably makes no sense upon further reflection, but I'm throwing it out just so people can discuss it. Last night, after Beckham came back to the bench in his suit, my wife said to me "He seems to be coaching and spurring our team on more than Yallop is. Maybe he should be our player-coach." *He was England's captain. *The Galaxy players appear to respect him. *He seems to be breaking down a bit physically. He could play when he could, but still lead/inspire when he couldn't. *He is supposedly around for 4 1/2 more years. *He'd still be just as useful publicity-wise. What say ye?
On one hand: *He would be able to say 'no' to DB (FY isn't brave enough to even pull Beckham from the pitch - see game against Chivas) But on the other hand: *Would he be able, as a coach, to understand when to sub himself? ('bad teammates' is not a good reason to continue playing if your ankle and physical condition are not up to it)
I nominate me. Qualifications: 1. Post on bigsoccer alot. 2. Watch Galaxy games alot. 3. After getting a chance to re-watch a game in super-slo-mo multiple times, always able to brag the next day that I wouldn't have made the same tactical mistakes that our current coach made the night before. 4. Look pretty snazzy strolling the sidelines in a nice black suit. Hey AEG, my door is always open...
I admit there were some unfavored calls in SK's favor, but you still need skill to progress so far. It was virtually the same exact team from the '98 team, yet moment they got Hiddink, they started to improve drastically.
Scolari is leaving Portugal (love the new white kits btw) after Euro 2008. Not sure if he wants to return to Brasil. Perhaps we can get him to come to the States.
Holland was runner up to West Germany, in West Germany in 1974, and to Argentina, in Argentina, in 1978.
...because he would head-butt the opposing coaches, players, refs and the gals players who were slackin off... it would be a slaughter..
The problem is that he has made it very clear that he has no interest in professional coaching when asked this by the press.
If he weren't playing for England still, then yeah. But Becks himself needs a coach who can train him for Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 if he still wants to play for England then. In other words, someone who can take his skills to the next level. (I do wish Hiddink were willing to coach Galaxy though if Klinsmann declined, but I hope Klinsmann takes the job)
I'm really surprised that no one has voted for Fabio Capello. After all, Becks has worked with him before, and he did come out and say that Capello was a great manager. How much of that was niceity and how much was true remains to be seen, but he's won the La Liga title with Real twice now, not to mention his success with AC Milan and Juve. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabio_Capello From Wikipedia: (an unreliable source, to be sure, but still...) "Upon being released by Madrid, Fabio Capello has revealed he is mulling over an offer from Major League Soccer in the United States. On July 16, 2007, Capello told Gazzetta Dello Sport, "They have contacted me from the United States, however I must think about it". He has since become a commentator for Italian broadcaster RAI, and has detailed the decision to bench Beckham lied with Calderón.[1]"
This thread is shocking. I was expecting this list to start off w/ someone realistic like Paul Jewell and the first name is Guus Hiddink? As if Guus Hiddink should be a BACKUP choice or as if he'd ever condescend to coach us.
I hate myself. I FINALLY get on this thread (after avoiding it for 2 days) in order to nominate Trickhog.... only to find out the man himself beat me to it. But anyway, I nominate Trickhog.
Capello could certainly deal with the pressures of this job. But would he be willing to make the move?