This is another in a series in which AJC reporter Doug Roberson will begin to look at Atlanta United’s possible player signings and managerial candidates ahead of their 2017 inaugural season in MLS.
You can follow Roberson for news about Atlanta United on twitter @DougRobersonAJC, and bookmark the paper's Atlanta United page.
Here is the series so far:
The pros and cons of Sigi Schmid
After leading Seattle for more than seven years, helping the club to become the model franchise in MLS with five trophies and an attendance average that rivals teams in Europe, Schmid was let go earlier this week. The Sounders have just 20 points this season and are 10 out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The team was undone by Obafemi Martins’ last-minute decision to transfer out. The squad tried to replace his production with the green Jordan Morris, which just wasn’t going to happen, at least not yet.
Pros: He has experience leading an expansion team.
He has experience leading an expansion team to success, having guided Seattle to the playoffs in their first year in MLS in 2009. Not too bad, especially considering Atlanta United’s goal is not just be an expansion team, i.e. make the playoffs, next year.
He led them to seven consecutive playoff berths. He led them to three consecutive U.S. Open Cups, part of the five he won during his career, as well as two Supporters’ Shields and two MLS Cups during prior stints at Los Angeles and Columbus.
He knows the league. He knows the talent in the league. He knows the other teams in the league.
He is has more wins (228) than any coach in MLS history.
Cons: Despite seven consecutive appearances in the playoffs, the team hasn't made it to the title game.
It seemed like the players started to tune him out, culminating in a 3-0 loss to Sporting KC that was worse than the scoreline would indicate.
The timing doesn’t seem right. Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra said last week, before Schmid was let go, that there was a short list of candidates and that the team was close to making a decision.
Lastly, Atlanta United hasn’t done much that would be considered predictable with any of its front-office hires or player signings. It would be interesting if the club would change tact and hire a coach that some assume will receive consideration.
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