Prost Amerika columnist Alan Hinton returned to share his thoughts on the world of soccer despite continuing to recuperate from a recent fall. Hinton commented on Seattle Sounders FC interim head coach Brian Schmetzer and the team’s recent performance. He also reviewed the upcoming English Premier League campaign, and the numerous storylines he would be following.
Sounders FC interim manager Brian Schmetzer
“The key to Brian Schmetzer’s early success at the Sounders is to get Dempsey 100% involved.”
Since taking over the head coaching reigns from Sigi Schmid, Schmetzer led Seattle to a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy and a 3-1 road victory over Orlando City. Hinton provided a bit of history on his long-term relationship with Schmetzer.
The former NASL player and coach was optimistic about the Sounders’ prospects for the rest of the regular season. The addition of midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, impending return of injured defender Roman Torres to the starting lineup and forward Clint Dempsey’s recent scoring touch could be enough to continue Seattle’s postseason streak.
English Premier League
“Can you believe that Pogba was released by Sir Alex Ferguson basically for free?…What didn’t Ferguson see in him?”
With EPL games starting this weekend, Hinton thought the focus would be on two teams: Manchester United and Manchester City. The Manchester derbies pitting two high-profile managers (City’s Pep Guardiola and United’s Jose Mourinho) showcase the most intriguing and anticipated EPL clashes. He went on to review the rest of the league and individual team previews for the upcoming season.
Hinton shook his head at Manchester United’s recent acquisition and the irony of paying the $120 million record transfer fee for Juventus’ Paul Pogba. In 2012, manager Sir Alex Ferguson allowed Pogba to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer to the same Italian club.
Sounders FC
Manchester United
August, 2019
