Troy Lesesne is out as New York Red Bulls head coach, months after taking over as interim for Gerhard Struber in the middle of the season. Despite squeezing into the playoffs, the New York Red Bulls front office decided not to bring the 1st year coach back for another season, among other top club officials, who were also let go.
The New York Red Bulls have taken over the off-season news for Major League Soccer (MLS), first being linked to forward Emil Forsberg from the German side RB Leipzig, and now, a day later, are faced with a critical decision: selecting a new leader to guide their squad in 2024.
The club will also need to work to fill the void left by Denis Hamlett, who is parting ways with the Red Bulls after nearly a decade at the club. The Red Bulls now begin an extensive search for a new sporting director is ongoing, said the team on an official note, and another for a head coach had already started.
After the news broke, Territorio looked at three prominent coaches who have emerged as potential candidates for the job: Giovanni Savarese, Joao Sacramento, a longtime José Mourinho assistant, and the legendary Bruce Arena, who left the Revolution earlier in the year. Among the three names, different styles and drawbacks, so it begs the question: who is best suited for the job?
Each brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and coaching philosophies, which we explore below:
Giovanni Savarese: the tactician with MLS experience
Giovanni Savarese brings an experienced head coaching background in MLS to the New York team, offering a blend of tactical understanding and adaptability when faced with roster issues. His strengths lie in his ability to read and adapt to different opponents, ensuring a flexible and effective game plan. With a focus on defensive solidity, Savarese’s teams are well-organized and disciplined, making it challenging for opponents to break through.
One of Savarese’s distinctive features is his emphasis on set-piece plays. Whether attacking or defending, his teams have showcased prowess in set-piece situations, a crucial aspect of success in modern soccer. Beyond tactical considerations, Savarese strongly emphasizes player development, fostering a positive team culture, and encouraging attacking versatility.
His MLS experience, particularly with the Portland Timbers, provides a valuable understanding of the league’s dynamics. Savarese’s familiarity with the challenges and nuances of MLS could position him as a coach capable of navigating the unique demands of North American soccer.
Joao Sacramento: the international perspective and modern innovator
Portuguese coach Joao Sacramento, one of the options for New York Red Bulls next season. Nothing advanced yet but one of the names considered. There are also European clubs keen on Sacramento 🇵🇹
He had experiences at Lille, Roma, Tottenham, Monaco and now open to new chapter. pic.twitter.com/UmofXAvSU1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023
Joao Sacramento, hailing from Portugal and with a background as an assistant coach at Tottenham Hotspur, brings an international perspective and modern coaching methods to Major League Soccer and now emerges as a top candidate, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Much like Saverese, his potential strengths for MLS lie in his adaptability but using a possession-based football philosophy and a highly analytical approach to the game.
With experience in top European leagues, Sacramento’s international perspective could introduce innovative tactics and strategies to the Red Bulls and the rest of the league. His analytical approach aligns with the growing trend of data-driven decision-making in soccer. Nonetheless, Sacramento’s lack of direct MLS coaching experience has proven an issue to other European counterparts who aren’t well versed in navigating the complex MLS roster system and a very shallow and immature player development system.
While his international background is an asset, MLS has its unique challenges, and adapting to the specific dynamics of North American soccer may pose a learning curve for a team that will want to win now.
Bruce Arena: The MLS veteran with a proven track record
Bruce Arena is a seasoned MLS veteran with a storied coaching career and should be a hot name in the off-season. His extensive experience, particularly with successful stints at D.C. United, LA Galaxy, and most recently, the New England Revolution, positions him as a coach with a deep understanding of the league but one who could have one too many skeletons in the closet for the Red Bulls to touch.
Arena’s tactical adaptability over his career has been a critical factor in his strategy while working in the different MLS franchises. Whether building for the future or aiming for immediate success, his track record says he can tailor his approach to meet the specific needs of a team. The Red Bulls will have a unique situation going into 2023, especially if Forsberg is indeed on board, and for the most part, it looks like this is a done deal.
Arena’s emphasis on team organization, player development, and a positive team culture aligns with the core values often sought after in a successful coach. The problem, however, is replacing Struber, who was ousted for ethical reasons after failing to condemn a player for harassment, with a candidate allegedly taken off the job. At the same time, his team investigated harassment claims of their own. So, at the very least, it seems risky to bring someone in without knowing exactly what happened in New England, regardless of all the accolades.
Who should the Red Bulls select as their next head coach?
MLS experience, adaptability, tactical strengths, player development philosophies, and the potential cultural fit within the organization are all critical considerations.
Savarese’s MLS experience, tactical flexibility, and focus on player development make him a strong candidate. Sacramento’s international perspective, modern coaching methods, and analytical approach introduce an element of innovation neither Arena nor Gio possesses. With his extensive MLS experience and proven track record, Arena brings a wealth of knowledge and a history of success; the rings speak for themselves.
Ultimately, the decision should align with the club’s vision and goals, considering MLS’s unique challenges and opportunities. Thorough research, careful consideration of each coach’s strengths and potential drawbacks, and a comprehensive understanding of the club’s culture are essential to this decision-making process. The chosen coach will not only guide the team on the field but will also play a crucial role in shaping the club’s identity in the community and the future success of the New York Red Bulls.