Erik Soler, Red Bulls GM (Or Let’s Play Guess The Translation!)

By: Dave Martinez | November 30th, 2009

solernewspaper

What is the meaning of this headline?! Well, I am here to make your life easier:

“Erik Solér (49) blir ny general manager og sportsdirektør i MLS-klubben New York Red Bulls.”

Translation?

“Erik Soler loves pimping out like Tom Cruise, and says he is the General Manager and OG (original gangsta) Sports Director at the severely clubbed and beaten down MLS team, New York Red Bulls”

And who is this man that is looking for a “klubben” this season? Let’s ask Wikipedia:

“Erik Francisco Solér (born 6 August 1960) is a former Norwegian football player, a former football agent and football commentator. He is educated as a psychologist. Solér has 39 caps for the Norway national football team.”

A psychologist? Well, that will do the team alot of good. A former footie agent? Hey, who loves numbers better than an agent? Maybe he will be able to decode the hell that is MLS Rules and Regulations. And a footie commentator? Well, let’s hope his pressers and quotes are more Ray “Quote a Minute” Hudson and less Bruce “ZZZZZZZZZ” Arena.

THE AGE OLD DEBATE

Credentials aside, it is the belief of many followers of MLS that a foreign coach or general manager would already be behind the eight ball in this uniquely beaurocratic soccer monolith (see Ruud Gullit). Erik Soler does have a good resume for the job, and a background that suggests he may be capable of navigating those confusing waters, but how long will it take him to learn “discovery claims,” “allocations,” no reserve leagues, and most importantly, the worth of American talent? With the draft right around the corner, and the season a few months away, his ability to absorb and learn this league will be critical to the teams success next season.

Speculation also abounds that Jeff Agoos may very well be Solers right hand man in the rebuilding process, showing the former the ropes of the MLS system. That would seem to be an asbolute head slapper, but one never knows the direction Red Bulls management is looking to go, especially after the painful 2009 season.

Will this European product be able to succeed in the MLS? Share your thoughts with us.