Monday Snap Analysis: Chelsea and United Face Same Issue

Plus Why Jesse is Set Up For Success Despite Schedule

In the States this is a fake Monday, as yesterday was a federal holiday to honor and recognize those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. So I am launching a new Monday morning quick hitter today versus yesterday. This may become audio in the near future, so stay tuned. And let me know if you like this as a way to set up your soccer week.

United and Chelsea Are Looking at Managers the Wrong Way

What separates Chelsea and United from City and Arsenal? A plan. Despite ManU’s trophy this weekend, they are a step below the Premier League’s top two at the moment. Part of this is poor signings the past few years. Part of this - especially for Chelsea - is not finding the right fit for management.

But I’d argue a major part is lack of a long-term plan. Short term pain - in the case of these clubs means missing Europe - is fine if you’re building towards sustained trophy challenges. You can use a year or a few outside competing for a major European trophy is you’re developing talent and building out a plan. This was what Arsenal did, use money to redevelop culture all around and build a front office strategy. Throwing money at the problem doesn’t get you to Real Madrid level anymore in this sport if there’s not strategy behind it.

Speaking of City, don’t expect a drop off when Pep leaves

The City group is almost machine-like in its management of its clubs. Because Pep is quietly laying the groundwork for his departure in the relatively near future, this gives the City Group time to figure out who should replace him. This means they can begin succession-planning now, which is more than just IDing the next manager. It means adjusting their player management, youth clubs, and network of feeder clubs now to meet the needs of a new manager, who even if a Pep disciple will do things differently than the current manager.

Also, you have to imagine that if somehow Arsenal win a major trophy next season, Arteta would be a major contender for that job. If they don’t, I wouldn’t believe the hype.

Jesse Marsch smartly setting low expectations for Canada

In an interview with ESPN, new gaffer Jesse Marsch lamented his team’s first three matches: the Netherlands, France, and Argentina. Marsh points out that a club can set up friendlies for a new manager to ease them into the position but in this case the matches are scheduled well in advance. This is actually great for the American manager. If Canada stumbles in its first three matches, Marsch can point to a brutal schedule and the inability to implement his plan for Canada. If they get three points in one or more of these matches, he has immense momentum. It is a win-win even if they lose, which is the best place a manager can be.