By RYAN TOLMICH
Less than 24 hours after reports surfaced that he was officially hired, Jim Curtin insisted his job status has not changed.
The Philadelphia Union interim head coach insisted he remains just that, interim, at a press conference Wednesday. Curtin, who took over the Union after the firing of previous manager John Hackworth, dispelled stories saying he was officially hired while also insisting that he hopes his job status does not distract his team.
“There was some news that was leaked and I just want to clear up everything,” Curtin said. “I am still the interim manager. I’d say moreso than in any other city, in Philadelphia, respect isn’t given, it’s earned, and I get that part. I agree with that part. I am still fighting to have the interim tag dropped. I don’t want it to be a distraction to our team. I had a good talk with them this morning about it.
“I’m still the interim coach,” Curtin continued. “I’m working hard to have that removed. My players have done a great job in helping that. If not for them, I might not be the guy… The main focus from our group like always is on the field and getting a result against D.C.”
Multiple reports, including ones from Goal.com and ESPN, stated that Curtin had been given the coaching job.
Under Curtin’s leadership, the Union currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, just two points out of the conference’s fifth and final playoff spot. In addition, the Union advanced all the way to the final of the U.S. Open Cup before falling to the Seattle Sounders.
A coach “insisting” he still has the ‘interim’ tag.
Only in America.
Sounds to me like they unofficially want to retain him but officially terms are under negotiation. So there is nothing official to announce — particularly in case the whole thing blows up and they perhaps want the next option to seem less like a clear Plan B — but maybe the decision is made subject to terms.
Agreed that’s how it smells….. These bizarre negotiating tactics never seem to happen in winning organizations though.
More like only in Philadelphia…