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It seems one of the things that may have prompted MLS to consider major changes to the schedule might have been the words of ex-LA Galaxy boss, Ruud Gullit. In this interview with Britain's Daily Mail he give MLS some constructive criticism that many readers here likely agree with.
Here is an excerpt:
Courtesy of our friends at Tribal Football:
Former LA Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit says there's a lot that needs to change in MLS.
The Dutchman told the Daily Mail: "For a start, they play in the summer and that means it can be 90 degrees and 80 per cent humidity. You just can't play high-tempo football. Certainly nothing like the Barclays Premier League, which is all about long ball and pace.
"Then there's the travelling. If you're in LA and you've got a game in New York you're talking about a six-or-seven-hour flight.
"I'd liken it more to the leagues in Holland, Belgium and Norway. The players can play. I watched the All Stars against West Ham in the summer and the All Stars outplayed them. And I think Beckham has already proved he can do it. His crossing and dead ball delivery is still important to England. Sometimes decisive."
Certain aspects of U.S. soccer frustrate him: the failure to arrange fixtures around the international calendar; the draft system that prevents clubs from building a youth development structure; the salary cap that denied him the chance to lure European players to America.
"We could have a game the day after a round of international matches, that was ridiculous and so was the draft system. I could have players I wanted to promote from the under 21s but they were no use to me because they weren't actually mine, they could go into the draft system and end up elsewhere. It all became very frustrating and it has to change."
He's 100% correct. Changes need to be made. And sooner rather than later.
I completely agree. Good job Ruud. I want this league to be great and these changes need to happen for it to get there.
Ruud is right on all front. He's class, ans MLS needs to take everything he says into consideration.
Also, with Ruud's suggestions it looks the single-table will not happen, or only be temporary until they get beyong 16-teams.
Agreed^^^ Ruud is right about the need for major changes. The real fans want it and the league needs it.
About the single table. Why not? I think it makes sense in a scheduling sense. They could go one table and have the top eight make a playoff.
I hope one day that the league could grow big enough to go to a pro/reg system because that his real drama. But until than at least teams can fight to make it into a playoffs.
Fuck you, Gullit. We structured our league this way because we didn't WANT to be a model of the boring Euro leagues where the same teams win year in and year out. MLS DOES need to raise the salary cap substantially and allow bigger rosters, but those are the only major changes I think we need.
As for not being able to play long balls in the summer, like the Brits, well, every team except the GalPals play a different style, so it doesn't matter what the weather is. The style is possession, and it is much more effective.
Come on^^ scheduling needs to be addressed too. Because with the international schedule taking away the leagues stars every time theirs a WC qualifying match.
Ruud would make an excellent Deputy Commissioner when Ivan Gazidis is promoted.
Seems Ruud is more popular after leaving the league. He's making good points though, and he's about the olny one making them. I totally hate the draft and think it has no relevance when the drafted player can leave the US for more money. It leaves all of MLS missing out on young, quality players.
Good take, Ruud. I think his gripes are spot on.
Yeah, brilliant, swing MLS onto a European timetable ... Chicago Fire v San Jose on a Thursday night in February ... Section 8, the Latinos, the Ultras, all the hardworking stalwart fans - plus three travelling supporters and a dog.
Thanks Ruud. Great idea.That'll bring the fans flocking in.
Gullit showed more class than I expected, but some of this stuff just won't change. It gets too cold here to play any other schedule. Screw the long ball game. I prefer this style better - we just need better ball control and passing, which we'll get in time. The draft does suck, though, and the whole international fixture issue does need to change ASAP.
baby steps.. bad idea. bridge the gap.