Spanish coach Miguel Angel Ramirez has opened up on life at MLS newcomers Charlotte FC and the challenges of being at an entirely new organisation trying to compete at the top level of US soccer.
Speaking to Radio MARCA, Ramirez explained that when he joined the franchise, Charlotte had just six players on their books.
“When I got to the dressing room, there was no one there. We had six players signed when I joined,” said Ramirez.
“It’s been a long road, with lots of events along the way, such as the Expansion Draft, where you can take players from five franchises who haven’t been protected by their club. Then there’s the Superdraft to pick university players. And then you negotiate with agents, players, clubs…
“You can’t spend a lot of money on 25 guys, you can spend it on one or two, like all the clubs do. Together with the MLS rules and a rather limited budget, it was a very difficult road.”
If MLS’ rules, regulations and eccentricities are a minefield for all clubs, and for any coaches not used to it, then Ramirez‘ task was made all the more complicated by the fact that Charlotte as an expansion franchise for this season were starting from zero. He commented that he didn’t truly appreciate the impact of that before joining.
“I wasn’t very aware [of starting from zero] until I got here,” said Ramirez.
“When I was here I realized how hard it was going to be. Ultimately, I looked at it as a challenge, but I was thinking “man, this is going to be tough. But I didn’t think that just because of the club itself, but also because of the MLS, with all of the rules it has, it’s tricky.”
While certain aspects of his job have been harder than he expected, as he aims to help an organization with no history or experience to lean on find its feet, the Canary Islander did say that he was pleasantly surprised by players in the USA.
“The American players have surprised me, in terms of quality and work rate,” said Ramirez.
“They have an incredible work ethic. They don’t complain, they don’t say anything, they shut their mouths and do what you ask. It’s a pleasure to work with them. They are very disciplined. They love doing extra work…on their days off, the physical coach has to come in because the American players ask him to.”
Marca
