Good summation of the general vibes! Vocalized most of the issues around Gale's decision making and how he's totally failed to understand the need to balance his lineup without Soph available. Linnehan's been the biggest victim, but it's also worth noting that Spaanstra's barely played since they moved to the 3-5-2 because a 3-5-2 doesn't play with wingers.
Key point made by Phuoc at the end re: connections and the college kids, especially in a year where there's a pretty talented college top end. Crucially, also a good reason for letting KK go before the end of the season, because they NEED to get a GM hire done relatively quickly in order to get moving on recruiting.
I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet, but 100% agree on the recruiting angle. I was just talking to my partner about this last night. The field is now wide open to recruit from...and a new GM is gonna need to be hungry to immediately jump in on what should likely be a pretty exhausting offseason (if we wanna challenge next year.) I put this in the other thread, but there are 3 CB's alone that are worthy of bringing in....from UCLA, Harvard, and FSU. We could really turn our fortunes around quickly if a new GM has insight into the college world. This was one major reason why I was in favor of a Parsons GM gig, just because I know he does pay attention to the youth/college soccer ecosystem. I remember him talking about personally scouting Natu in college while she was playing at FSU. He also has a really good eye for young talent, I think probably in part due to his work at Chelsea's academy and with their second team, all from 2004-2010. He's also familiar with the league, even if from afar now (but it still seems like he watches the league regularly)...though he was here only a year ago so I'm sure he understand the league is in a very different place than it was before.
Regardless, whoever it is, I hope that sort of skillset is considered and valued by whoever is doing these GM interviews because it will definitely go far in the post-draft NWSL.
Thanks for the session. I appreciate Phuoc's approach to the press room -neutral and respectful, but not overly considerate. Rob Gale has a lot to answer for and should be asked directly about his sub choices, why he's playing Sinc 73 minutes, why young talent like Linnehan aren't seeing minutes, etc. Gale doesn't deserve deference. Phuoc's insight and experience is invaluable on this pod, thanks!
I appreciate this "therapy session". It definitely helped me process some of my frustration, too. I do want to say that things started to "not click" when Rob got the permanent gig. I noticed immediately how quick he was to not start his best 11, week-in and week-out. Now admittedly, I don't know what was going on with some of the players health, but Sinc was starting waaaaayyyy too often, particularly with some of the options on the bench. Plus, he never really worked on figuring out how to maximize Fleming. It was like he refused to tweak the system at the expense of Sinc. Maddening. He was so stubborn and in over his head, and it was obvious to many of us on here.
About the open GM role, or possible HC candidates as well?
I imagine Gale is on borrowed time. There's no point in starting a new HC search until we have a new GM in place, but his removal seems inevitable now...
Good summation of the general vibes! Vocalized most of the issues around Gale's decision making and how he's totally failed to understand the need to balance his lineup without Soph available. Linnehan's been the biggest victim, but it's also worth noting that Spaanstra's barely played since they moved to the 3-5-2 because a 3-5-2 doesn't play with wingers.
Key point made by Phuoc at the end re: connections and the college kids, especially in a year where there's a pretty talented college top end. Crucially, also a good reason for letting KK go before the end of the season, because they NEED to get a GM hire done relatively quickly in order to get moving on recruiting.
I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet, but 100% agree on the recruiting angle. I was just talking to my partner about this last night. The field is now wide open to recruit from...and a new GM is gonna need to be hungry to immediately jump in on what should likely be a pretty exhausting offseason (if we wanna challenge next year.) I put this in the other thread, but there are 3 CB's alone that are worthy of bringing in....from UCLA, Harvard, and FSU. We could really turn our fortunes around quickly if a new GM has insight into the college world. This was one major reason why I was in favor of a Parsons GM gig, just because I know he does pay attention to the youth/college soccer ecosystem. I remember him talking about personally scouting Natu in college while she was playing at FSU. He also has a really good eye for young talent, I think probably in part due to his work at Chelsea's academy and with their second team, all from 2004-2010. He's also familiar with the league, even if from afar now (but it still seems like he watches the league regularly)...though he was here only a year ago so I'm sure he understand the league is in a very different place than it was before.
Regardless, whoever it is, I hope that sort of skillset is considered and valued by whoever is doing these GM interviews because it will definitely go far in the post-draft NWSL.
Play the kids!
Yes. Gladly accept 90 minutes of chaosball in lieu of whatever this clusterflock has been.
Interesting that all of you thought they should wait to make major changes until after the season.
I do believe a followup podcast is in order! ;)
We will definitely have another pod next week :)
Thanks as always for your support, Jacob!
Thanks for the session. I appreciate Phuoc's approach to the press room -neutral and respectful, but not overly considerate. Rob Gale has a lot to answer for and should be asked directly about his sub choices, why he's playing Sinc 73 minutes, why young talent like Linnehan aren't seeing minutes, etc. Gale doesn't deserve deference. Phuoc's insight and experience is invaluable on this pod, thanks!
I appreciate the kind words :)
I've learned a lot from Ryan Clarke, Anne Peterson, Leo Baudhuin, and so many people who helped me along the way.
Thanks for sharing your starting 11, I'd love to see that lineup against Orlando on Friday, but I won't get my hopes up. Thanks! (shimshang on reddit)
I appreciate this "therapy session". It definitely helped me process some of my frustration, too. I do want to say that things started to "not click" when Rob got the permanent gig. I noticed immediately how quick he was to not start his best 11, week-in and week-out. Now admittedly, I don't know what was going on with some of the players health, but Sinc was starting waaaaayyyy too often, particularly with some of the options on the bench. Plus, he never really worked on figuring out how to maximize Fleming. It was like he refused to tweak the system at the expense of Sinc. Maddening. He was so stubborn and in over his head, and it was obvious to many of us on here.
Can someone smarter than me point out the obvious names that Soph and Sam would stay for? Twila Kilgore? Mark Parsons? Casey Stoney? Emma Hayes?
I have a piece coming out later today. Only has one name on it.
About the open GM role, or possible HC candidates as well?
I imagine Gale is on borrowed time. There's no point in starting a new HC search until we have a new GM in place, but his removal seems inevitable now...
Thank you all. Cathartic as a listening session as well.
Thank you for the support! Appreciate you very much!