The Cobi Jones Era Has Begun & an Online Poll: Who do You Think Should be the Next Galaxy Coach?
Cobi Jones faced the media for the first time Tuesday as the Galaxy's interim coach.
Jones said kinder things about predecessor Ruud Gullit than some of the players I talked to Tuesday. And he was saying all the right things as far as former GM Alexi Lalas was concerned, too:
"It's a loss of someone that was very dedicated to this club and this organization, not only the Galaxy but AEG. It's a huge loss and he will be missed within the club and organization but for the players and everything, it's something else along with Ruud they have to put that behind them and move forward."
(Incidentally, Soccer By Ives is speculating the Galaxy have targeted Eddie Lewis.
It could be a short stint for Cobi; his status is in effect for just one game - Thursday's SuperClasico against Chivas USA.
So with speculation already mounting over who the identity of the next Galaxy coach, who do you think should take over the reins?
Does Jones represent the stability the Galaxy needs for the rest of the season and perhaps beyond?
Should AEG raid their most successful MLS club - the defending champion Houston Dynamo - and install Dominic Kinnear as head coach of the Galaxy?
With the Olympics over for the U.S. men, does the Galaxy need a defensive-minded, no-nonsense disciplinarian like Peter Nowak to whip them into shape?
Or should the ever-popular Sigi Schmid return?
Tell me who you think should be the next Galaxy coach in the poll below.
And if the name you want isn't listed, add a comment to this post.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Anyone but Arena.
Personally, I'd love to see Paul Mariner as the Galaxy's new coach. He understands how the collegiate system works and can evaluate talent, which the Galaxy needs someone to do. But I don't think that will happen.
The Galaxy has burned too many coaches w/respectable accomplishments the past four years. You don't think American coaches have noticed?
Besides, I don't think Arena would want to come here. Ditto Nowak. They're very strong personalities who won't put up w/the Galaxy's loony management -- especially if Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment have as much imput as they seem to have.
European coaches -- especially any possible candidates from the Premier League -- will understand the latter's role and avoid the Galaxy.
Given what Leiweke, Hamilton (remember Schmid?) and Lalas have done to coaches, the only candidates the Galaxy will be able to get will be Europeans who don't know the Galaxy that well or Cobi.
Nick, I present Zagallo, who has over 50 years of experience coaching and molding players.
Also Osvaldo Ardiles (Argentine) and Billy Davies.
What do you think of those 3 names?
Nick replies: Well, they're certainly unique. (For readers who don't know Billy Davies got Derby County promoted to the EPL - and then relegated - Ozzy Ardiles has coached several top teams in England and Brazilian Mario Zagallo has coached too many nations and teams to mention).
But after the Gullit debacle, do we want a foreign coach who doesn't understand the unique restrictions placed on coaches in MLS?
Keep Jones for the rest of the season and see how he does. If he sucks I say bring in Cienfuegos!!!!
Nick, I say bring in Tele Santana, Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby and Jock Stein! ;) What do you think?
Nick replies: I think you forgot Bill Shankly. :)
Nick, I say bring in Tele Santana, Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby and Jock Stein! ;) What do you think?
MY VOTE IS FOR MAURICIO CIENFUEGOS. OVERALL CONSENSUS MUST BE HIM.
Doesn't it speak volumes about MLS and AEG that the option of raiding Houston is even suggested. Why don't they just get Preki and Blanco and Angel and Cannon?
Otherwise, why doesn't Lieweke come down and show us all how its done?
Otherwise, why doesn't Lieweke come down and show us all how its done
Cristobal, that's the best suggestion so far!
Give Cobi a few games to see how he does, see whether the players settle down, see whether he can do the job. If he's willing to take the career risk of having this be his first gig as head coach. Seems to me there's a core of quality players right now who can play a respectable game.
The MLS and AEG are so insular. They just keep recycling the same people around and around, expecting a different result.
It's obvious that no serious international coach will risk their career by walking into the disaster area created by the Galaxy management right now. But is there somebody like Preki out there who can make the transition from player to coach well? Is there somebody in the college coaching ranks who's willing to take a chance?
Free Cobi. If he wants to be the coach, let him. Be careful, though, Cobi. They ruin careers, don't they?