Argentinian manager Matias Almeyda is staying in MLS after all. Talking with media on Thursday, Almeyda confirmed that he would remain with San Jose Earthquakes’ boss for the 2020 season.
In recent weeks, Almeyda was linked with taking over Liga MX side Monterrey and was even offered a contract. But the 45-year-old turned down this opportunity in order to continue the project he began with San Jose.
“I thanked them that they thought about me,” – said Almeyda at his season-ending press conference. “And keeping in mind the contract that I had here, I told them that I cannot keep going with these talks because my mind is here in San Jose and my players. And with the directors, we’ve talked about having project and moving up the hierarchy in this club and which I believe in, and which I’ve projected my life here now.”
Almeyda took over Earthquakes ahead of 2019 MLS season and made an immediate impact. He managed to lead the team to 23-points improvement compared to 2018, and keep them in the postseason race until the very end. Eventually, the stretch of nine losses in their last 11 games saw Quakes narrowly miss the playoffs.
Moving forward, Almeyda is determined to build on this success and improve their stature in the league even more next year.
“We don’t want our owner to invest millions.” – he added. “Our idea is to add more youngsters. Yes, have some reinforcements come in, but not those stars that are unreachable. We believe in our game and in our system of play and teamwork.”
After finishing a successful playing career, Matias Almeyda worked as a manager with River Plate, Banfield, and Chivas. His biggest successes came with Chivas as he won Liga MX Clausura, Copa MX Apertura and Clausura, and CONCACAF Champions League trophy.
