Frank Klopas Becomes the Head Coach of the Montreal Impact and More News
Oct 26, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Impact fans show their support during the first half in a game against Toronto FC at BMO Field.Toronto FC won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Well, that didn’t take long for Frank Klopas, now did it? Klopas is now the new boss at the Montreal Impact Football Club. He was named manager and director of player personnel for the team. It’s a three-year deal, and, as per league and team policy, the details were not disclosed.
In addition, Mauro Biello (assistant coach), Youssef Dahha (goalkeeper coach) and Paolo Pacione (fitness coach) will all remain part of the coaching staff, according to the announcement this week. Matt Jordan, who was the director of soccer operations, was promoted to technical director of the team.
“Here he is, taking on a new job – an entirely new challenge in a highly unfamiliar locale, no less – less than two months after parting ways with the Chitown club despite a 39-29-23 record at the helm,” wrote Charles Boehm of MLSSoccer.com. “Many felt Klopas was hard done by Chicago, where a murky chain of command seemed to complicate personnel decisions. But he now faces what might be an even more delicate challenge.
“Over the next few weeks he must situate himself and his family in the City of Saints, come to grips with his new team’s roster needs, assess its incumbent talent and hash out an effective division of responsibilities with Jordan and [sporting director Nick] De Santis in time to make the best decisions when the Combine, SuperDraft and international transfer window arrive next month.”
One Montreal Impact player that is currently on loan is right back Zarek Valentin, who is with Norwegian Tippeligaen side FK Bodø/Glimt. The Impact are in negotiations with FK Bodø/Glimt to iron out a deal.
“With Zarek, negotiations are ongoing with Bodø/Glimt and the league as well,” De Santis told MLSSoccer.com’s Olivier Tremblay. “We’ll see what his future holds.
Valentin played 2,363 minutes in 27 games and scored one goal as Bodø/Glimt clinched promotion for the Tippeligaen as champions. Sinisa Ubiparopovic’s option was declined, but 2012 MLS SuperDraft pick Callum Mallace will be at the club’s training camp on Jan. 27. Both midfielders were loaned to Minnesota United FC of the NASL.
“Playing in a league where points and results matter, for a pro team that must win, put [Mallace] in a situation where there was a lot of pressure,” De Santis said of Mallace. “But he told us that it had been a very positive journey that handed him great responsibilities. He’s got great upside.”
Finally, midfielder Patrice Bernier had undergone a successful knee surgery and will only be out four to six weeks, which should be in time for training camp, or at least preseason.