Prost Amerika’s video columnist Alan Hinton didn’t hold back in this week’s version of Hinton Unleashed. The former First Division winger shared his opinions on the DUI and speeding arrest of Sounders FC midfielder Marco Pappa. He went on to discuss Seattle’s bad run, tight races in Major League Soccer, upcoming Gold Cup matches in Atlanta and Manchester’s United exhibition match in Seattle.
Marco Pappa’s DUI arrest
“In my day, there was no help for anybody that was an alcohol drinker.”
Hinton sympathized with Pappa’s plight after his early Sunday morning arrest for DUI and speeding. He praised Major League Soccer for their assistance program for players struggling with substance abuse problems. Hinton mentioned how his peers George Best, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Hudson and his former manager Brian Clough all struggled with alcohol. They didn’t have the benefit of an MLS-like intervention or support mechanism to address their issues.
Seattle Sounders FC
“The Sounders won’t sit back and let LA run away with all these impressive signings.”
The LA Galaxy added English Premier League veteran Steven Gerrard to their roster and announced the signing of Mexican star Giovani dos Santos.
Hinton expects Seattle to make their own moves to bolster their chances of winning the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup. With a depleted lineup, the Sounders have lost five of their last six games. He sees an improvement once Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins and Brad Evans return to the team.
MLS Players Union releases 2015 salaries
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
As a former First Division player and a coach in various professional soccer leagues in North America, he failed to see the benefit of documenting and releasing MLS players’ compensation. On the other hand, he noted no one forces a player to sign for a certain contract amount.
CONCACAF Gold Cup
“Klinsmann is kicking his (Jozy Altidore’s) butt.”
USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann sent forward Jozy Altidore home prior to the knockout stage. Hinton saw this as a message to the rangy forward to improve his shape and playing performance.
A sellout crowd of over 68,000 is anticipated for Wednesday’s semifinal matchups between the U.S. and Jamaica, and Panama and Mexico. He predicted a final pitting the U.S against Mexico for the Gold Cup.
Manchester United’s visit to Seattle
“Louis van Gaal is strict. He knows what he wants. He’s hands on.”
As a former English domestic league and international player, Hinton was given special access during Manchester United’s visit to Seattle last week. The Prost Amerika columnist has a chance to chat with various players and an opportunity to watch several practices. He walked away impressed by the discipline and technology associated with Man U’s preparations for the upcoming EPL season.
Hinton also went on to caution van Gaal to incorporate several Dutch coaches and players into the Manchester United side. Given how the Dutch National Team has struggled in their recent international games, the Dutch head coach may want to be more objective in building out his team.
