Originally Posted by
jloome
I think Vanney's a good coach of good players, because he uses a system that attempts to control the clock and build an attack patiently.
I think it's tough to get that combination of players together in this league. And the direction they're more likely going is trying to copy teams like NY and ATL who are selling players they developed for big bucks.
Unless he adapts tactically to what he has, and quickly, he won't be around at the end of the season. My bet is that Curtis has been told to be very careful with his TAM and DP money after the Lieweke years, and whoever we sign in the window will either be a cheap flyer on someone who might 'step up' in MLS as a lower league, or a hot young player from another MLS team, or depth. They're not going to break the bank on a TAM player, or get Bradley to knock his deal down to TAM.
So we don't have a big budget to break. Curtis has to get someone practical but better than MLS, which plenty of other teams have managed. It has to be someone who is adept at beating guys on the dribble but also a finisher, so he can deputize as a striker if necessary, or play next to Jozy instead of wide. And we need a defender at regular MLS prices, to replace Zavaleta in the starting lineup.
Given how weak Auro's defending is, we could use a proper fullback, too.
So, we have serious problems that aren't going to be addressed in one window. I am betting Curtis' consistent message right now is that whether it costs the club a position this year or not, we build from within and buy wisely. It's what he specializes in, it's what MLSE will want to hear.
So I don't think his odds are great. He has to change things up, learn to play with weaker players through tactical adaption. When we played with both Hamilton and Ako up top, they did well. The first time Altidore goes down, he abandons that.
I don't know. Yeah, we need players. But we need more that two offensive sets designed for ideal rosters.