Peter Nowak had success as an MLS All-Star manager against Chelsea in 2006, and he'll get the opportunity to repeat that feat this summer.
Nowak will coach the MLS All-Stars against Chelsea at PPL Park on July 25, the league announced on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive season that the host city's coach will have the honors of leading the MLS side during the mid-summer classic. Hans Backe had the honor of doing so last year against Manchester United at Red Bull Arena.
While the Union's performance so far this season hasn't exactly meritted All-Star notoriety, it would appear that going forward the MLS All-Star coach will continue to be selected based on logistical convenience.
"It has been intentional," MLS executive vice president of competition Nelson Rodriguez said in a press conference. "What we realized was when we were flying an All-Star coach in from another city, it was difficult for that coach to get acclimated to that city and the All-Stars, and they were leaving their own club. This allows Peter and his staff to maintain a regular training regimen with the Union."
Nowak's counterpart for the 1-0 MLS win in Chicago in 2006 was Jose Mourinho. Chelsea, a team that could be in flux based on how the upcoming weeks play out, is currently guided by Roberto di Matteo, but he is considered to be a temporary caretaker despite Chelsea's results since he took over for the ousted Andre Villas-Boas.
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What do you think of this development? Do you have an issue with the host city's coach guiding the MLS All-Stars? Should it be based on records or success instead?
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