In the video below, Prost Amerika analyst and columnist Alan Hinton discussed the firing of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, Liverpool’s shocking season-ending 6-1 loss to Stoke City, Jose Mourinho’s successful season, rumors of Didier Drogba joining Major League Soccer and how much of an impact EPL players will have after they arrive in North America.
Real Madrid fires Carlo Ancelotti
“The expectations at Real Madrid are really high.”
Hinton expressed shock at Real Madrid’s decision to sack manager Carlo Ancelotti. He noted Ancelotti’s 2014 Champions League title. His inability to win the 2015 league title and move beyond the Champions League semis failed to impress Real Madrid’s decision makers.
When asked about a potential replacement, Hinton was not impressed by rumors of current Napoli manager Rafael Benitez taking over the reins.
Liverpool’s 6-1 season-ending loss
“They were not playing for the coach…It’s a sign Brendan Rodgers lost the locker room.”
With Steven Gerrard playing his last game for Liverpool before heading to Major League Soccer, Hinton expressed amazement at the Reds’ pathetic effort in the 6-1 defeat to Stoke City. He noted this was a reflection Brendan Rodgers’ ineffectiveness and issues inside the locker room.
MLS does not recognize winning the league title
“Why doesn’t Major League Soccer celebrate it when a team wins the division (Supporters’ Shield) like we do in Europe?”
Hinton criticized MLS’ emphasis on the playoffs and the lack of recognition for winning the Supporters’ Shield. He said that Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus all took time to celebrate their league title achievements and MLS teams should do the same.
New EPL players in MLS
Besides Gerrard and Frank Lampard, rumors are swirling of Didier Drogba’s interest in plying his trade in North America. Chelsea’s John Terry said he’d like to finish his career at Stamford Bridge, but he was also open to playing in the U.S. domestic league.
Hinton addressed the influx of new EPL players joining MLS and how they needed to bring their “A” game.
