CHICAGO, IL—On Friday, Chicago Fire FC made it official by appointing Georg Heitz as their new sporting director. Heitz made his name at Swiss side FC Basel where he discovered players like Mo Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Ivan Rakitic all of whom would later star at other clubs. As sporting director of FC Basel, the Swiss side won eight league titles between 2009 and 2017.
Prior to beginning his career as a football executive, Heitz, who was born in Switzerland, worked as a journalist and deputy editor for several organizations from 1994-2008, including FIFA and Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung.
“I’m honored to join Chicago Fire FC,” said Heitz. “I made the decision to join the Club after many inspiring discussions with Joe Mansueto and Nelson Rodríguez. I believe in the vision of this Club. I am very much looking forward to living in Chicago and I can’t wait to get started.”
He will join the Fire upon receipt of his work visa. Nelson Rodriguez, who had been president and general manager from January 2018, will move to a business-only role within the club. Both Heitz and Rodriguez will report directly to owner Joe Mansueto.
Heitz will have his work cut out for him such as hiring a new coach, adding players (including designated players), and upgrading every position. Plus, he has to adapt to Major League Soccer’s salary cap and other regulations.
‘‘I’m studying [the regulations]every day,’’ Heitz told the Chicago Sun-Times. ‘‘I would be a liar if I told you that I’ve got everything now and I understood everything. But I like to [work with a team], and I’ve found people who function the same way. They’re all so supportive. It’s really, really a pleasure, and we have to share know-how because otherwise it cannot work.’’
Rodriguez and director of soccer operations Eddie Rock can help on that end. As for a coach, Heitz hopes to announce one ‘very soon.’ It is hoped that Heitz can help lift the Fire out of the doldrums and into the world-class organization that Mansueto seeks.
‘‘In every position at our football club — both on and off the field — we want to have a world-class professional in each role,’’ Fire owner Joe Mansueto said in a statement. ‘‘We know we have found that in Georg, who we are excited to welcome to the Fire family. Georg’s experience, inclusive of leading FC Basel to eight consecutive Swiss titles, will help us in our primary goal of winning championships.’’
“Of course, this is a priority,” said Heitz. ‘‘We are already talking to candidates, more than one. I like to work with profiles when it comes to players but also when it comes to coaches. We have made a profile, and now we are having talks.’’
Training camp commences in a month’s time which is not really a lot of time to install a coach and add to a currently 17-man roster.
