With J Hutcherson
Shocked looks all around as we wait for someone to let us know that Bruce Arena is the mystery coach who will lead LA Galaxy training later today before being introduced as Ruud Gullit's replacement. Whatever pro wrestling shock value that might have happened was already spoiled by the Thursday night love-in on ESPN2.
Instead, we've got exactly what it seems - another example of a Major League Soccer club making the bold move only to turn back to the usual suspects. That Arena is arguably top of the list of usual suspects notwithstanding.
San Jose's demolition job of New England over the weekend should be an object lesson for anybody who thinks they've got MLS figured out. In a low-capped League designed to limit competition for players, team building becomes exceptionally relative.
Even the clubs willing to spend usually end up with gaping holes as a result. New England, still the best team in the League on games played, is a low budget club. They win because they have answers at the obvious positions. They lose like all MLS clubs, a distinct lack of depth at just about every position that won't cover the expected breakdowns.
There are rumors that Arena could end up much more than just the head coach in LA, taking some combo role that would give him broader management duties. A one man show instead of the manager/coach designation seen in Toronto and maybe even bigger than that.
What he's allowed by League rules to do with it is as much of a question as why so many MLS teams seem intent on drawing a church and state barrier between the product on the field and the people who are supposed to sell it.
The two have to be linked to work, much less succeed, especially in a League with such overt financial limitations.
On TV
Nothing on the schedule for today.
The Wonderful World of Soccer Media: Europe
The Phil good factor - Scolari era at Chelsea starts with style, guile and goals -- from The Daily Mail's Matt Lawton: But Chelsea were devastatingly impressive"
Ferguson prepares for marathon after stumble at first hurdle -- from The Guardian's Graham Chase: "I did not expect to lose a goal at a set piece to a header from a guy who is 5ft 8in."
Rangers 2 - 0 Hearts -- from The Herald's Darryl Broadfoot: Rangers have an abundance of striking options and a complexity of permutations.
Mancio or Don for Spartak? -- from Football Italia: Spartak have a huge budget at their disposal and there are rumours that they see Donadoni and Mancini as their best options.
To reign over Spain, Rooney can't be plain -- from The Independent's Nick Townsend: Yet however hard you attempt to convince yourself that there is potency about any of the combinations with Rooney, none are convincing.
The Wonderful World of Soccer Media: Americas
Solo no more -- from ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill: "A lot can happen in a year."
Gibbs Open-Minded About Colorado Move -- from Goal.com's Greg Lalas: “I need to play."
It may be right time for Donovan to test skills again overseas -- from The South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Jeff Rusnak: The deepening of the talent pool has unburdened Donovan in terms of being the league's pre-eminent marketing asset.
Q & A with Aly Wagner -- from The Rocky Mountain News' Clay Latimer.
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