New York Red Bulls general manager Jerome deBontin has made a point to let people know that the Red Bulls are going to be doing a lot of things differently now under new management, and in his recent interview with Bloomberg News, he even revealed a change in his own philosophies on certain aspects of MLS.
What has changed for DeBontin? After initially expressing skepticism about placing an expansion team in New York when he first took the job as Red Bulls general manager, DeBontin stated on Monday that he was very much in favor of another team in the New York market.
“Every time a new professional soccer club opens America, I have to rejoice and I have to be happy. There’s clearly enough space in New York for two or three teams. Everyone at the league is supportive of that idea. We as shareholders of the league join all our colleagues in saying that it would be terrific to have the competition in New York. If it does come three years away, it does give the Red Bulls plenty of time to do our work. At Red Bull we tend to say that the brand gives us wings. If I do a good job, buy the time we land in three years a new team in New York will be ready for the competition.”
DeBontin’s u-turn comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber was quoted recently as saying he was sure DeBontin would see things the league’s way, and apparently he now does.
DeBontin discussed wide range of topics, from improving attendance to increasing the team’s emphasis on college scouting, and more. Here is the full video interview:
What do you think of the comments made by DeBontin? Starting to buy into the new Red Bulls regime? Still skeptical that they will turn things around?
Share your thoughts below.