Caldwell wasn't probably ready to go but Nyeman was, and this seemed a good chance to give him a run - especially since Jasper had strep two days ago. EDIT: Not because I think Nyeman is/was a good signing or likely to do well but - like with Paul up top - why not at 4-0?
Kreilach dives more than Javi It’s incredibly annoying Hes an incredible human being but his soccer this year has been hot garbage since the goal in Vancouver
I do not understand how someone is a professional soccer player and as scared of using their left foot as Brody is
The atmosphere sucks at the RioT I’ll say it The standing section has just further made the lack of coordination by the SGs amplified I was also shocked to see as many of those “SGs” leave the game as early as they did
How much does it matter that it's only he and Sava that appear to be able to play LW? Honest question.
THIS^^^. I graded us a C+ in the first half. That’s not a “Good” grade. I thought the team played hard and with attacking energy in the first half. That’s it. Yet, because we went to half at 0-0 many people call it a Good half. That’s how far the bar has dropped amongst the fanbase and the media commenters.
To be fair, there was a stretch of like 15 mins where RSL made St. Louis look like cones with their passing. I loved it. However, the best it resulted in was a shot from about 25 out by meram. There are a lot of problems with this team, but from my seat none of them are as glaring as Kreilach being an attacking mid.
Hadn’t seen it said yet: the pitch looked noticeably better than against Austin. However, it was MUCH slower. Don’t think it was cut with the snow and there wasn’t any watering in pregame that i remember
The ball definitely lost a lot of momentum on the ground. I wasn't sure if it was the pitch or if the ball was just stone cold as a rock.
I meant that those are the only guys Pablo would play there. He wouldn't let Joni play there even though it was his preferred spot.
So, lot's of talk on the socials about changes needed. I get the argument to clean house, but if I had to chose one, I'd probably get rid of Pablo. I just don't see how a good (or very good) coach can't get more out of this club. I've made a big deal about how the talent value (according to transfermarkt, it's all we can go off of) is so low (2nd, behind STL in total and avg), but it's still MLS. Parity is built into the system. I may be wrong, but it still feels like Pablo is not putting the best players in their best position and filling the rest of the spots with players that best compliment the best players. These are pros, they shouldn't need much rah-rah from the coach. Give me a guy that gets the tactics right and sits the players that don't buy in or give their all. Also, is it to much to ask to let the fans know what the plan is on and off the field? Let us know what to expect, then we can focus our complaints.
Speaking of relative talent level, The Athletic ran their annual anonymous survey of league personnel about a wide range of topics and Pablo got at least one vote for top coach. The rationale was that he got us into the playoffs "with literally nothing" and that such a performance merits top marks. YMMV. Mine too.
I was there with that thinking. I think the schtik has worn off (see Aaron's comments) and teams have enough time to figure out how to beat Pablo's "tactics".
The roster was incomplete when Elliot took over and has only got worse since This shouldn’t be an either/or conversation. Both Pablo and Elliot need to be fired
I see the argument. How does it impact getting players in this window or the next? Would there be a permanent replacement in before the next window/year? Do roll with temps in both spots until the replacement GM gets here and gets to hire the coach? Do they just promote from within for both?
Great questions. I think that if RSL is going to make the choice to change GM and HC they really need to go the clean slate route. Hiring from within has only lead us to where we are now which is not a great place by anyone's estimation. I definitely think that the new head coach needs to be an established coach with a definable system/s. Someone outside of the current RSL family of coaches. There has to be someone in the Blitzer group that would jump at a chance to be a HC for a team that needs an overhaul and someone to put their stamp on how they play. Can you find that kind of coach with a "homegrown" GM? Probably not so, same thought process there with finding a new GM. There has to be someone in the Blitzer group admin pipeline that would also jump at the chance to build an MLS team. Maybe Elliot and Pablo can figure it all out and this season turns around but 6 wins out of 26 games is not trending in the right direction though. It's going to be pretty interesting month of April.
I completely agree with going outside for both positions, even if we have to over pay. But, if I was a sporting kind of guy I would put my money on Damir as the next coach.
Given Fall’s track record, what are the odds that he will bring in a difference maker or two in this window or the next? He will spread rumors about a couple that we are close to signing, but, magically, the signings won’t happen. So… go ahead, grit the teeth, make the change. Don’t let a future window impact the decision.
I'm thinking that that is the backup plan at the moment and why they extended him. I think that could be another massive gamble. It worked with JK, didn't work with Cassar, Freddy, Petke, or Pablo so the 5th time has to be the charm? Find an experienced coach.