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Writer's pictureDenny Birdkamp

Ripple effects of the 2021 coaching changes

In August of 2021, the Sounders changed.


Imagine the Seattle Sounders as a well-oiled machine, and in August 2021, some major parts were swapped. While head coaches usually steal the limelight, let's adjust our lens and zoom into the nuts and bolts of the operation - the assistant coaches. We're delving into the Seattle Sounders' coaching room changes in August of 2021.


In that month a pivotal transition period for the Sounders occurred, when they bid farewell to two key assistant coaches, Djimi Traore and Gonzalo Pineda. Traore, having joined in 2016, played a significant role in backroom strategies that led to 4 MLS cup appearances in 5 years. Pineda, a part of the team since 2017, was involved in 3 MLS cup appearances.


Their replacements I'm assuming were Freddy Juarez and Andy Rose. Juarez, previously the head coach at Real Salt Lake, joined in the same month Traore and Pineda departed. A few months later, Rose, a recent retiree from his playing career with Vancouver Whitecaps, where he was coaching their U17 side, was added to the mix.


The coaching changes have arguably triggered noticeable shifts in the team's performance and strategies. Post-August 2021, the Sounders notable events have been:

> September 2021 loss to Salt Lake, notable since Juarez was their coach only a month prior

> Leagues cup final loss

> 0 wins in their last 5 games of the season

> loss to Salt Lake, the 7th seed, in the first round of the playoffs.


The one notable player addition to the roster since the coaching shuffle was Albert Rusnak from Real Salt Lake, likely influenced by Juarez's familiarity with him, who joined as a DP at the start of 2022.


notable events continuing > win against Leon, who finished their season 13th in Liga MX, in Champions League

> final win against Pumas, who finished their season 11th in Liga MX, in Champions League Final

> missed the playoffs for the first time in history


Despite the Champions League trophy, the Sounders' performances have been an enigma. Their tactics have lacked consistency, resulting in a run of unspectacular victories. Furthermore, the teams they defeated in the Champions League were far from the cream of the crop at the time.


It raises questions about how the Sounders' coaching room operates behind the scenes. Is head coach Schmetzer delegating initial strategy and game planning to his assistants? Is he trusting them a little too much? These are complex questions that warrant further exploration, but can be difficult to gather answers to.


The departure and arrival of assistant coaches must have influenced the Sounders' playstyle and tactics to some extent. Understanding the specifics of their roles and responsibilities, their areas of expertise, and how they may have influenced the team's performance is crucial.


However, it's important to acknowledge that this analysis does not factor in other potential influencing variables, such as changes in player form, injuries, or the evolving nature of the competition.


Even though they currently top the table, the Sounders' performances have not been without cause for concern. If the team's form persists on this disappointing trajectory, what corrective measures should be taken? Is there a danger of another end-of-season slump, similar to the last two years, due to inadequate preparation or being too late to correct?


The changes in August 2021, in the coaching staff and consequential team performance, are interesting to reflect on. This situation offers a timely reminder that the narrative of a team is not just about the star players or the head coach, but the entire ensemble that shapes the team's journey.


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