To the surprise of no one, the San Jose Earthquakes and head coach Matias Almeyda have decided to part ways after a winless start to the season.
In the view of many who followed the team, Almeyda was essentially a lame-duck head coach on the last year of a contract that would not be renewed. However, the Earthquakes decided to roll the dice with Almeyda.
After a seven-game winless start to the campaign, the club finally decided to part ways. Terms of their separation were not disclosed, but Almeyda had made it clear that he wanted to be paid for the remainder of his contract even if he was cut loose early.
“I just wanted to start by saying thanks to Matias Almeyda and the rest of his staff,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch in a press conference after the announcement. “They’ve worked tirelessly in their time here and put forth a really great effort every single day in training and games. But as we know, this is a result-oriented business, and we’re not getting the results that everyone wants.”
Leitch stressed the decision to part ways was mutual and cordial.
Almeyda’s complete coaching staff, Omar Zarif, Carlos Roa, Daniel Vega, Guido Bonini, Fabio Alvarez, and Agustin Zalazar also are leaving the team.
Interim head coach named
Leitch said Alex Covelo, the coach of the Quakes MLS Next Pro side, will take over the reins on an interim basis while the team conducts a thorough search for a new leader for the club’s first team. Chris Wondolowski, Steve Ralston, and Luciano Fusco will fill out Covelo’s technical staff on an interim basis.
A disapointing end to the Almeyda era.
Almeyda took over the helm for the San Jose Earthquakes with an impressive pedigree of success in his native Argentina and Mexico, especially with Chivas Guadalajara.
In ninety-eight games and three-plus seasons in charge of San Jose, he compiled a 31-42-25 (.444) record.
The search begins for a new head coach
Leitch stressed whoever takes charge permanently for San Jose will have extensive MLS experience.
“I will prioritize the MLS experience part of it,” said Leitch. “We’re looking for a club-centric staff and head coach, those with a high tactical acumen and flexibility, and someone that’s a good leader and good culture builder because honestly this club needs and deserves to win. We haven’t been successful in the more recent years. This is a winning club that’s lifted multiple trophies. That’s where we want to get back to.”
Covelo will immediately get a chance to take over the Earthquakes. The club announced he would coach the team in their US Open Cup match against Bay Cities FC at PayPal Park on Tuesday evening.
