The search for a permanent director of soccer operations at Toronto FC is ongoing, but reports in the media in recent days has German legend Jürgen Klinsmann, among several other high profile names, linked to the Reds in various roles.
The rumours began to circulate on blogs and message boards as early as late October. Though only this past weekend mainstream sources began to zero in on Klinsmann as a consultant to help right the ship at BMO Field.
[inline_node:5301]Stephen Brunt at the Globe and Mail on Friday morning stated “When in doubt, find a guru” in reference to Toronto’s recent predicament with unhappy supporters. Brunt argued that bringing in a top football mind to help with front office appointments will help ease some of the disenchantment among fans.
CBC’s John Molinaro complemented Brunt’s piece on Friday afternoon, drawing inference from MLSE Chief Operating Officer Tom Anselmi’s quote that the organization was ready to “take (the club) to the next level.”
Local daily Toronto Sun went a step further that day, citing a Sportsnet.ca Tweet that apparently indicated Klinsmann would run the entire TFC operation, never mind the consultancy role.
Speaking of Sportsnet, the next day Gerry Dobson trotted out a list of famous football names that he believes are candidates to be the next bench boss at BMO Field. In his blog Dobson concluded that interim director of soccer Earl Cochrane, assistant general manager Jim Brennan and interim head coach Nick Dasovic will have a future at Toronto regardless of any new hires.
Major League Soccer hasn’t been shy to press the matter either. Contributor Vijay Setlur speculated Saturday on MLSsoccer.com that, “Klinsmann is expected to examine the organization’s infrastructure and youth academy system.”
Toronto supporters are understandably anxious to get some official news on this front, but nothing is forthcoming from the club. It should be noted that new club sources have not been quoted in the media since the town hall meetings with season seat holders. That’s where club officials made no secret about the fact that they were in talks with a consultant group in order to fill management and coaching vacancies.
Many of the sources mentioned above have indicated that further news will break this week from BMO Field. TorontoFC.ca will have imminent coverage should anything develop.
Discuss this with Asif on Twitter.
