Less than a year after New York City FC played their first competitive fixture, the club’s owners have decided to part company with Head Coach Jason Kreis.
Despite signing a number of high profile players, NYCFC finished 12 points off the play-offs in the Eastern Conference in what was a largely disappointing first season in MLS for the club.
Kreis came to the new MLS franchise with a proven track record in the league having won the MLS Cup in 2009 with Real Salt Lake. The 42-year-old also spent a number of months working with Manual Pellegrini at Manchester City before the current MLS season started.
As soon as Kreis’ sacking was announced, speculation over who would replace him began to mount with several high profile individuals being linked with the job.
Patrick Vieira’s name was quickly mentioned. The former France international currently works as a Youth Coach at NYCFC’s sister club Manchester City and it is thought that Sheikh Mansour may give the 39-year old an opportunity to prove his credentials in MLS.
Vieira has stated his intention to move into first-team management and was heavily linked with the Newcastle United job this summer.
Fabio Capello has also been linked to the job, with a number of sources actually claiming that the 69-year old is already in talk with NYCFC’s representatives.
The Italian recently left his role as manager of the Russian National Team and his appointment would certainly act as another statement of intent from the New York club.
However, if Sheikh Mansour does approach a big-name manager, he should do so with an air of caution.
In 2007 LA Galaxy made headlines when they appointed former Chelsea and Feyenoord boss Ruud Gullit as their new manager.
Gullit’s contract was reportedly worth more than $2 million a year, however his ill-fated 10 months in charge of the Western Conference side was a disaster from start to finish.
The Dutchman was not accustomed to the often complex regulations of the MLS and completely failed to build a competitive side. He also clashed with a number of first team players and left the club following a seven game win less run.
With this word of warning the hierarchy at NYCFC may be better off going for a more low key appointment and bringing in another Head Coach with previous experience in the unique league that is MLS.
