Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati is now looking to hire a new head coach after Ron Jans left the club in February because of using a racial slur in front of players.
The incident took place in the MLS preseason, when Jans was allegedly singing in the FCC dressing room a song that contained derogatory terms used against black people.
A complaint was filed by to MLS Players Association (MLSPA) by a few players. The MLSPA subsequently officially informed Major League Soccer’s governing body, and the MLS then communicated the complaint to FC Cincinnati.
The official complaint also includes references to comments made by Jans on slavery during the club’s visit to Washington D.C. to play against fellow MLS side D.C. United.
Investigation is still pending, but as Jans stepped down from his post, the MLS Eastern Conference club is now on the search for a new head coach. So far FCC haven’t had too much luck with filling that position, as the club only hired Jans last August after getting rid of Alan Koch in May.
During the 10 games under Jans in the 2019 MLS season, FC Cincinnati got a 1-5-4 record. So the club is sure looking for well-needed stability that will bring results. As FC Cincinnati’s General Manager Gerard Nijkamp told reporters: “The coaching search is part of the challenge.”
There are several names being mentioned for the position, including LA Galaxy assistant coach Dominic Kinnear. Kinnear is an MLS and American soccer veteran, and has had a career as player in the Seattle Sounders, Colorado Rapids and more. He also managed Sat Jose Earthquakes and the Huston Dynamo prior to moving to LA Galaxy.
Another name in the pool, which generates more interest among media and fans is ex-Manchester United player Jaap Stam. The Athletic was the first in the media to report these two considered for the position in MLS Eastern Conference FC Cincinnati.
The Dutchman started his youth career in his home country, and soon climbed the ranks and established himself as a world-class center back. After playing at Dutch top-league’s PSV Eindoven, Stam was acquired in 1998 by English Premier League’s Manchester United, where he became a central part of the Red Devils’ defense.
Stam then moved to play in Italian Seria A’s Lazio and Milan, before returning to spend his last year on the pitch in Dutch soccer powerhouse Ajax. He also played for the Dutch National team between 1996 and 2004.
After hanging his boots in 2007, Stam spent a decade in different coaching and management positions, including English Championship (the country’s second-tier soccer division) side Reading, and until now manager of Dutch top-tier club Feyenoord.
Although some in the MLS are still hoping for a full 2020 season despite the pandemic, and the league is still considering options on how and when to resume play, the forced break gives FCC more time to think things over. “If we don’t know when we restart this league, it will impact when we appoint a head coach,” said Nijkamp.