We’ve suspected as much since late October, but Mexico has finally unveiled former Atlanta United manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino as boss. Martino is fresh off being named the 2018 MLS Coach of the Year after guiding Atlanta to the MLS Cup in only its second year of existence.
Martino’s club experience also includes stints in charge of Newell’s Old Boys and Barcelona, while at the international level he’s previously managed Paraguay and Argentina.
When looking at some of the world’s best teams, football’s future looks very bright. Manchester City for example is a testament to modern progressive football: back-to-front play in quick succession and starting attacks from the goalkeeper. Many European sides have adopted the tactic, as it encourages more open play.
It begs the question: Where is football heading in the next decade?
The day has come — no more sessions, drills, videos or talks. It’s time to go face the opponent and come home with three points. Now, what you do before and after the game is as important as what you do during — or during your coaching sessions — so it’s worth analyzing how to be efficient and professional during this time.
In an unexpected announcement, Sigi Schmid, an incredibly important figure in American soccer, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday. It was reported that he was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center due to a heart-related condition.
After being officially unveiled as the next manager of the USMNT on Dec. 2, Gregg Berhalter went on a whirlwind media tour where he was asked how he’d fix U.S. Soccer and deliver the 2022 World Cup by recreating the style of play American fans have come to expect when watching Manchester City play from their couch on Saturday mornings.
Berhalter handled himself in a refreshing manner after the fool’s paradise of Jurgen Klinsmann and warbling smugness of Bruce Arena, although that obviously won’t placate exceptionalists who demand he be named Zinedine Zidane.
It's going to happen: A Club América vs. Cruz Azul Liga MX final will kiss 2018 goodbye. La Máquina beat Monterrey, and Las Águilas destroyed Pumas in the semifinals last weekend, thus securing the high-voltage final most soccer enthusiasts in Mexico were looking forward to.
Diego Maradona’s attempt to lift the 2018 Ascenso MX Apertura title with Dorados fell agonizingly short on Sunday night after Atlético San Luis triumphed 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.
Dorados won the first leg 1-0 back on Nov. 29, but Maradona was ultimately sent off during the game for threatening San Luis manager Alfonso Sosa with a clenched fist.
Diego Maradona walks off in style after being sent off in Mexico. pic.twitter.com/1RvvxnwaIP
45-year-old New Jersey native Gregg Berhalter has been named manager of the USMNT with a contract running through the 2022 World Cup, according to ESPN. Berhalter arrives from the Columbus Crew after leading the club to the MLS Playoffs in four out of his five seasons at the helm.
According to German outlet Bild and British newspaper The Telegraph, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in making a sensational return to coaching with Bayern Munich.