Former Real Salt Late and NYCFC manager Jason Kreis looks set to takeover MLS side Orlando City as the two are in advanced talks
It looks like Jason Kreis is going to have another shot in MLS; this time with Orlando City.
Paul Tenorio is reporting that the former Real Salt Lake and NYCFC manager is in advanced talks with the struggling MLS side to takeover their manager position. It recently became available when the club parted ways with Adrian Heath who was with the club for 5 and half seasons.
Jason Kreis in advanced talks with Orlando City for head coaching job, per source. https://t.co/FUPitlTupi pic.twitter.com/Si1tZlvuRv
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) July 17, 2016
Kreis was with Real Salt Lake for 7 seasons, helping them turnaround their franchise during that time. He led them to their first ever playoff appearance in 2008 and an MLS cup title in 2009. Following the cup title in 2009 he coached the team to playoff appearances in every year up to 2013 when he left the club. During that time RSL made it to another MLS Cup final in 2013, losing to Sporting Kansas City in a dramatic PK shootout. He also had success in the Premier Continental tournament for MLS teams, leading RSL to the Concacaf Champions League final in 2011.
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After the 2013 season Kreis turned down an extension with RSL, instead taking the manager job of new MLS expansion side NYCFC. He was fired after the inaugural 2015 season when the team underperformed despite having talent, ending the season with a 8th place finish in the Eastern Conference with a mere 37 points (10-17-7 record).
Rumors erupted about Kreis possibly heading to Orlando as soon as they parted ways with Heath, but they really heated up when Orlando City CEO Alex Leitaõ followed Kreis on Twitter Saturday night before he unfollowed him the next day.
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There are some minor concerns as Kreis is known for playing a 4-4-2 and Orlando City usually plays a 4-2-3-1, but with the talented depth the Florida-based team has in midfield they certainty would seem to be able to make that switch pretty easily. Kreis is also known for an attacking, possession-oriented style of play, which is exactly what Orlando City is looking for in their new coach.
Out of all the possible coaches that Orlando City could bring in, Jason Kreis is a great option for the newest MLS side. He will bring his extensive knowledge of the game and his patented energy, things that the team really need if they want to make a second-half run to earn themselves their first playoff appearance.
Kreis also brings an incredible amount of focus, which the team has been lacking in recent months. When you think about the move more, it’s a perfect match for manager and team.