Chivas USA were aiming for a head coach with a wealth of coaching experience and ties to Mexican soccer, and that is exactly what they have gotten with the appointment of Jose Luis Sanchez Sola.
Chivas USA announced Wednesday that they have named Sanchez Sola, also known as “El Chelis”, their new head coach. The 53-year-old Sanchez Sola joins the Goats after spending seven years coaching in Mexico, and is tasked with helping them turn things around after two disappointing seasons under Robin Fraser.
“Very honored, very grateful and committed to fulfill the goals of the institution,” said Sanchez Sola in a statement released by Chivas USA. “I know that with the support of the staff currently in place, my transition into MLS will be that much easier. We are going to take on this new challenge with lots of energy and aspirations.
“We are going to try to implement a more appealing style of soccer for our fans, without forgetting that we are a team that plays in the United States. We will look to appeal to both cultures while obtaining positive results for the club. I feel that Chivas USA, at some point, lost that flavor and technique with the ball that is emphasized in Mexico and Latin-America; we must re-establish that part and combine it with the MLS’ style of play.”
Sanchez Sola is known to be a big motivator and he coached Puebla from 2006-2010 before taking over at Tecos UAG from 2010-2011. He coached Correcaminos UAT in Mexico’s second division this year.
“The arrival of Jose Luis Sanchez Sola marks the beginning of our organization’s new journey,” said Chivas USA President and CBO Jose David in the same statement. “The owners of the club, Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes, continue working toward giving Chivas USA fans the experience and results needed to have a successful team in MLS.
“‘El Chelis’ is a great motivator; he knows the culture of Chivas and will be an important piece in re-establishing the identity of the organization.”
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What do you think of Chivas USA appointing Sanchez Sola? Do you see him helping them turn things around? Still think the Goats would have been better suited signing someone like Jesse Marsch?
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