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Real Salt Lake’s first-ever player could become New York City FC’s first-ever head coach.
According to a late Thursday report from Sports Illustrated, New York City FC are hoping to sign Kreis as their inaugural head coach for the 2015 season. The expansion MLS club has reportedly done more than just set their sights on the 40-year-old Real Sale Lake manager who is in the final year of his current deal, flying him out to the United Kingdom earlier this month to have him meet with NYCFC officials.
The report goes on to state that RSL gave NYCFC permission to speak to Kreis, one of the more highly-touted head coaches in MLS, in part because the Western Conference heavyweight believes it will be able to re-sign its long-time head coach to a new deal.
A former U.S. Men’s National Team player, Kreis has been with Real Salt Lake since 2005. He was the RSL’s first player before becoming head coach in 2007 and leading the club to its first MLS Cup title back in 2009.
Since being appointed manager, Kreis has gone on to make Real Salt Lake a proverbial powerhouse in MLS despite having less of a budget to work with than teams like the LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls. The club has also enjoyed success outside of league play under Kreis, reaching the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League final that was won by Monterrey.
Kreis is currently in the midst of another impressive season that has him in the running for MLS’s Coach of the Year award. Real Salt Lake were expected to have a rebuilding year after parting ways with several of their key veterans in the offseason, but are currently in contention to win the Supporters’ Shield.
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What do you think of New York City FC’s interest in Kreis? Do you expect him to stay with RSL or take the new challenge with NYCFC? How would RSL fare without Kreis?
Share your thoughts below.