Assembling & Retaining an MLS team

Peter Wilt wrote an outstanding column on assembling and retaining a good team in Major League Soccer-

MLS’ strict salary budgets, weighted lotteries, drafts and allocations have made it a very difficult league to stay near the top or the bottom of the standings for long stretches. Incompetent, lazy or ignorant decision making can certainly make the latter an exception to the rule, but staying on top requires the right combination of several factors including a little bit of luck.

This column will focus on retaining a strong core, but I do want to mention a few keys to assembling a strong team in the first place. As in the construction of a front office, the key to assembling a good soccer team is to surround yourself with talented, hard working people with good character. Include players you have worked with personally or are recommended by people you know and trust.

Former Chicago Fire team member Diego Gutierrez, on the environment created in Chicago-

Peter and Bob created a working environment where honesty and sincerity were paramount, they were the foundation of everything we did. It kept the place sacred, it kept doubt from ever penetrating anything we did. If a guy was frustrated with playing time, we talked it over, put it on the table and dealt with it. As a player, you can’t ask for more. If your coach and your President/GM are bringing in the right people, they are honest with you and you know where you stand, there are no obstacles for you to go out and do your best. I think it is safe to say that you play your best when you have peace of mind.

http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/09/30/assembling-and-retaining-a-good-team-in-mls/