Minnesota United took a major step in their move to MLS by announcing Adrian Heath as their first head coach. Heath was unveiled at a press conference at the club’s headquarters in Golden Valley with Manny Lagos, Tony Sanneh, and a flurry of TV cameras on hand.
Heath comes to Minnesota after long tenure with Orlando City, starting in 2009 in their USL days as the Austin Aztex. He oversaw the first 18 months of the Lions’ MLS incarnation, nearly leading Orlando to the postseason in their first year as they finished just below the red-line in seventh place.
United opened the press conference on a somber note, announcing that their full prayers and sympathy were with Brazilian team Chapecoense after the tragic plane crash last night. “Soccer is a world game, and it’s important to keep them in our minds in solidarity,” Director of Public Relations Eric Durkee made clear at the start.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @ChapecoenseReal and all those affected by this morning's tragedy. #ForçaChape pic.twitter.com/IOawfI9vwQ
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) November 29, 2016
Heath looked relieved to be back in MLS, saying he was “extremely pleased. The last few weeks have been a long time waiting for this day to arrive. I’m so proud and pleased that I’m the guy they want to bring this together with.”
See a full analysis of Heath’s coaching style.
With his Orlando City teams known for their high-energy, attacking style of play, Heath brings an exciting brand of football to Minnesota. For Lagos, however, his signing was as much for his vigor off the field as what his club might do on the pitch.
“It’s important,” Lagos said of his enthusiasm for growing the game. “We did an exhaustive search and we tried to think of what kind of person was the right one to lead this club. We had to discuss what kind of vision and personality we wanted for this transition. Certainly, his acumen as a coach is most important. He’s a guy who believes in soccer in the US and he’ll be able to come and grow the club. He believes in the history of soccer in this state and that’ll be vital.”
Heath confirmed that he’ll be retaining Ian Fuller on his 2017 coaching staff. Fuller was Heath’s main assistant in both Orlando’s USL and MLS days. Lagos confirmed that the club was still speaking with Carl Craig about coming on in some capacity. The club expects to announce the rest of their coaching staff this week.
Heath admitted that he enjoys the setting and mentality of Minnesota and looks to find players who feel the same way. “We want players who want to be here in Minnesota,” Heath affirmed. “We’ve got a unique opportunity up here. It reminds me a bit of Newcastle United, up away in the country a bit. What we have to do is find players who want to be here for the right reasons. There’s gonna be plenty of announcements over the next few weeks. We want to play good, attacking football, but mostly we want to win.”
“We’ve got 28 players to find in 12 weeks. It’s gonna be tough. I look back at what we did (in Orlando) and I’m pleased with where we finished. We’ve done a lot of good stuff. I learned a lesson or two that’ll help us moving forward. I’ve got faith in Amos and Manny to build a team that’s gonna be competitive. We can compete from day one in Minnesota.”
The club will need to sign 28 players over the next two months before training camp in January. December’s Expansion Draft could bring five into the fold, but that leaves a lot of work to do. Heath and Lagos will be in Central and South America for some scouting, leaving on Wednesday morning. Heath said the club had a list of “eight or nine shared targets” to analyze through matches and training.
“(It’ll be) difficult,” Heath admitted in regards to building the team. “We’ve got 28 players to find in 12 weeks. It’s gonna be tough. I look back at what we did (in Orlando) and I’m pleased with where we finished. We’ve done a lot of good stuff. I learned a lesson or two that’ll help us moving forward. I’ve got faith in Amos and Manny to build a team that’s gonna be competitive. We can compete from day one in Minnesota. We have to take it to the last game and compete every single day.”
The club will have to turn their attention to the roster, but today they can rest assured that they found their man in Heath. With experience in growing an expansion club, an affinity for connecting with a fan-base, and a coaching style that breeds exciting football, Heath is the right coach for the job. Signed to a multi-year contract, he sees this as more than a temporary fit.
“I’m coming with like-minded people trying to grow the game. Working with two ex-players (Lagos and Magee) was a huge boost for me. When I met the owner and he was telling me his vision for the club … that stadium is going to be a huge investment. I’m excited. We can grow a proper football club and be one of the mainstays of Major League Soccer.”
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