In recent days, the Colorado Rapids have been in the spotlight in Major League Soccer (MLS), and not for the brightest of reasons. The team finished the 2023 season in last place, leading to the dismissal of the former coach, Robin Fraser, after four years in charge. Now, the search for a replacement is reaching a crucial point, with three standout candidates, according to ESPN.
The name that stands out the most is that of Chris Armas, the former assistant coach of Manchester United. However, what is even more noteworthy is that Armas was nicknamed “Ted Lasso” by the players during his tenure at United, where he faced ridicule for his methods and his nationality. This raises questions about the wisdom of Colorado Rapids considering him for the head coaching role.
Follow MLS Multiplex on Twitter.
Hiring a coach is a crucial step for any team, and decisions should be made carefully. Having a nickname like “Ted Lasso” is not exactly a compliment in the soccer world, and players seem to have had their reservations about Armas’s approach in the past. Is he the right choice to lead the Colorado Rapids away from the bottom of the table?
Pa-Modou Kah and Chris Little are also in the running, and their experiences vary. Kah, a former Norwegian international, has a solid career as a coach in MLS, while Chris Little took over as interim coach of the Rapids in 2023, achieving mixed results. ESPN reports that these three candidates are on the final shortlist.
The Colorado Rapids’ final decision will be pivotal to the team’s future. After a disastrous season, they are facing a long offseason that will require not only an overhaul of the roster but also a change in the team’s approach. The choice of the new coach is the first piece of that puzzle, and the pressure is on the management to make the right decision.
The choice of Chris Armas, despite his controversial nickname at Manchester United, may prove to be the right one if he can overcome the criticisms and bring a fresh approach to the Colorado Rapids team. Only time will tell if this decision will be the key to a turnaround in the team’s fortunes in the upcoming MLS season.