PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 8, 2018: The Portland Timbers new coach Giovanni Savarese (R) with Timbers owner Merritt Paulson at the press conference (Photo by Diego Diaz/Prost Amerika).
Welcome to Rose City, Giovanni Savarese!
By Fern McOistigan
A new era has begun under the Portland Timbers helm, with Giovanni Savarese coming to Rose City with an impressive CV under his arm after making of the New Cosmos an armada not to mess with in the new NASL. With three Soccer Bowls won and a second place finish, the native from Venezuela will get his first MLS managerial stint. He will look to return the Timbers to greatness from the original North American Soccer League days.
From the New York Cosmos…
What can you ask a man that in his playing days made all sorts of headlines, and as a manager, has echoed to that of the once almighty Cosmos, a squad who once had greats like Pele, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia, and Franz Beckenbauer? During his time in the Big Apple, he developed a talented group of young guns, as well having in his ranks former Real Madrid star Raul, and being a spoiler to MLS squads in several US Open Cup competitions.
For someone with no previous managerial experience, leaving a winning legacy by winning several Shields, juggling both GM and managerial duties for the Cosmos, and netting many other achievements is quite a feat. This made many squads in Major League Soccer to start to ask for his services. His all-around determination and hunger that accompanies his offensive-minded game can deliver many successful afternoons for any team.
To the Portland Timbers
His new aims were to look forward to new challenges and new endeavors.
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 8, 2018: Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson at the Portland Timbers new coach Giovanni Savarese presentation (Photo by Diego Diaz/Prost Amerika).
Monday morning, Giovanni Savarese was officially presented as the new manager of the Portland Timbers by team owner Merritt Paulson and GM/President of Operations Gavin Wilkinson with the punctuality, something that characterizes this team. The presentation gave way to the next era for the Timbers. It was highlighted by the charisma of manager Savarese, as he instilled all sorts of confidence and optimism ahead of a new campaign, something the Timbers and its followers will be looking forward to.
As the club GM Gavin Wilkinson stated the interview process he and owner Merritt Paulson went through, he talked about how Savarese fit the mold in because of the many traits he possessed. Still, this was not an easy decision for these two top directives. They had another man in their list in Marc Dos Santos, headlining a very extensive CV accompanied by many accomplishments in the US and abroad.
Familiarity to the Timbers
In Giovanni, the Portland Timbers had their man. After all, he is no stranger in Portland as he described coming to NikeTown in Beaverton, as well being a broadcaster in ESPN matches. This makes him a bit knowledgeable with the Portland Timbers games, their achievements, as well being very familiar through YouTube and other videos of this team’s passionate and one-of-a-kind fan base considered in league circles as the best supporters.
Hard Work Will Pay Off
He described what kind of game he would institute in Rose City, with the focus on being very dominant in possession throughout the match, as well seeing each individual in his starting lineup stepping up their game. Ever since his arrival in Portland, the man has been a busy bee. Already, he has been in contact with several club veterans in Diego Chara, Diego Valeri and Fanendo Adi. He still much to do in the upcoming Superdraft, looking for new players, and opening training camp. In the end, Giovanni Savarese will have his hands full after inheriting a winning squad after last season’s heartbreaking elimination in semifinals by the Houston Dynamo due to key players getting injured.
For the new Timbers boss, among his characteristics is hard work and modesty. When asked if he was here to deliver championships. He said it was not among his promises but rather he is here to work.
The Stars Aligned
His first words were about that finally being here in Portland. The stars aligned to make this the perfect moment to take the helm; Portland possessed the ambition and philosophy, and its fervent fan base we enough for him to make the City of Roses his newest endeavor.
MLS
Portland
