Frank Klopas will once again lead the Chicago Fire into a new MLS campaign.
Klopas was announced as the club’s new head coach on Tuesday, moving from the interim role that he served in for the second half of last season. He has registered a 49-43-29 regular season record during his past stints as the Fire’s head and interim coach.
“We conducted a thorough process with numerous well-qualified candidates, and we believe that Frank Klopas is the right person to lead the team,” Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release. “Frank is hard-working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this league.
“During the interview process Frank laid out a clear plan to create a winning culture and mentality within the club, and we are all aligned on the areas that we need to strengthen to be much more competitive in 2024. We will work closely with Frank to improve the roster and finalize his coaching staff for the upcoming season.”
2024 will mark Klopas’ second full head coaching spell with the Fire after previously serving on three different interim occasions. He also led CF Montreal as head coach.
The Fire are seeking their first MLS Cup Playoffs berth since 2017 after finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference this past year.
Xherdan Shaqiri, Brian Gutierrez, and Chris Brady headline the Fire roster heading into 2024.
“I’ve never made it a secret how much I care for this wonderful club and city. Chicago is my home, and I would do anything to bring success to the Fire,” said Klopas. “At this time, I believe that stepping back onto the sidelines is where I can best help this club achieve its goals.”
Has Chicago been a threat in MLS since the Cuauhtémoc Blanco days?
Is there any doubt that Chicago is the worst MLS franchise?
Vancouver says Present! (Holding a Canadian lager)
Vancouver has made playoffs 2 of last 3 years and has won two straight Canadian Cups. Fire haven’t made playoffs since 2017.
no none whatsoever. the owner is clueless and I actually long for the days of Andrew Hauptmann ( never thought I would say that)
Honest question… what was the best 10 game, 20 and 30 game run under Frank’s leadership?
Has this team ever been a top team under his leadership?
IIRC, his teams have been ever so slightly better than average and never quite approaching a championship or Supporter’s Shield threatening side.
This feels like a classic MLS are-tread. I’m very much, meh? 🫤
This is definitely a MLS retread and the safe / conservative / cost-effective play. There are rumors that Fabio Cannavaro had interest in coaching in MLS and reached out about four open HC positions ( Chicago, Colorado, Minnesota, and Portland ) in the league, but received no response from any of them.
Things that make you go hmmm…
I don’t know Cannavaro is an Italian legend and the best job he can get there is in Serie B where he got canned after half a season as the team was doomed to relegation. I’m not advocating Kloppas but not sure Fabio is really a smart hire either.
Johnny,
Agreed, and I should’ve been more clear in my post. I’m not advocating for the Fire to hire Cannavaro, but if the rumors are true, and they didn’t bring him in for a chat, let alone respond to his inquiry about the opening, that is a clear indictment of how bad the Chicago Fire are currently being run. They are a long way off from the team that was making the playoffs and competing for titles in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
Cannavaro is a World Cup winner and played at the highest levels. Given his playing resume and coaching experience, albeit with average results on the coaching side, what is the downside of bringing him in for a chat, learning more about his tactics and plans, and what he offers as a coach?
Instead, they go with Klopas??? Make no mistake about it, I like Frankie…he’s a good guy…and I’ve enjoyed watching him play, going all the way back to his days with the Sting when he came out of Mather HS, as an 18 year old, but if Cannavaro’s coaching resume is not up to snuff, what does Klopas offer as a head coach?…or what does his resume show that makes him the best candidate?
Just like the article says…Klopas offers 49-43-29…which is mediocrity. For additional context, I have seen his teams play…they are blasé, boring, and don’t pass the eye test. So yeah, maybe Cannavaro is not the answer, but we have already seen, on multiple occasions, that Frankie is not the answer either.
The Chicago Fire rehiring Klopas is just as bad, as the Federation rehiring Berhalter. Status quo and mediocrity written all over both rehires.
In fairness to Klopas, it has to be said, the Fire not being competitive goes back to the leadership team, and ultimately, the ownership group.
The hiring of Frankie is on George Heitz. Since he has been in his position, he has left a lot to be desired.
Ultimately, the Fire have not been competitive or relevant for 15 years. You can trace the challenges back to the ownership…first Andrew Hauptman, and now, Joe Mansuto. Neither has spent money on the on-field product, and it shows.
A lot of unknowns on the Cannavaro front. Fire would know roughly his asking price without interviewing him that well could have been a nonstarter. He’s had some tax issues in Italy perhaps there are well known personality issues that we as fans don’t know about but Fire would.
Johnny,
I hear you, in regards to all the possible unknowns with Cannavaro, but we already know what Klopas is, and what he brings to the table, and because he is a known commodity, we know he is unlikely the answer that will lead the Fire back to the playoffs and / or championship glory.
Simply put, and Cannavaro aside, horrible decision by the Fire.
Papi Grande,
Agreed. Like what are you out by taking a shot on someone new? Hopefully that means Guti and Brady are heading to Europe so no one wanted it.