After all the head coaches to pass through with the New York Red Bulls and the MetroStars before them, it is easy to forget who the first coach to run the club was (trust us, we know).
That man was former New York Cosmos head coach Eddie Firmani, who lasted just eight games as MetroStars head coach. What may also be forgotten some 13 years after the fact is that Firmani was replaced during the inaugural 1996 season by none other than Carlos Queiroz, current head coach of the Portuguese national team. Although he is currently employed, Portugal's shaky position in World Cup qualifying could mean that Queiroz will be looking for a job in a month. Does that mean he should be considered as a candidate to coach the Red Bulls in 2010?
It just might if you consider the following developments: Queiroz was in the New York area this week and took a tour of the new Red Bull Arena, attended the Red Bulls' 1-1 tie vs. New England on Friday night, and sources tell SBI that Queiroz is finalizing the purchase of a condominium in New York City.
These may all be coincidences, but given the fact that the Red Bulls haven't settled on a head coach for 2010, there just might be something to the the former MetroStars' head coach's sudden interest in his former club.
Would Queiroz make a good pick as Red Bulls head coach?
Queiroz did a good job in his one season in charge of the MetroStars in 1996, guiding the club to playoffs and to the brink of a playoff series victory against eventual champions D.C. United before leaving to coach in Japan. Since leaving the club, Queiroz has served as head coach at Real Madrid and assistant coach at Manchester United, before returning to coach Portugal.
If Queiroz were hired by the Red Bulls. his arrival may not necessarily go over well with the large Portuguese community near the team's new stadium, Red Bull Arena, especially if Portugal fails to qualify for the World Cup (it would mark the second time in his coaching career that he failed to qualify Portugal to the World Cup, the first time coming in 1993).
It has long been assumed that Queiroz would return to Manchester United if he failed to qualify Portugal for the 2010 World Cup, having enjoyed two successful stints as an assistant coach with the English champions, but the lure of a new stadium and a chance to finish what he started 13 years ago just might be enough to entice the 56-year old to return to MLS.
What do you think about Queiroz as a possible new head coach for the Red Bulls in 2010? Still hoping Richie Williams is given the job? Think Portugal will find a way to qualify for the 2010 World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.