In looking back at new San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda's resumé, it's clear there's a pattern at work.
SI.com's Luis Miguel Echegaray spoke to the incoming manager, and pointed out Almeyda's past stops, including bringing Argentine powerhouse River Plate back to the Primera Division after a shock relegation, and leading Chivas de Guadalajara, another Latin American titan, to league, domestic cup and Concacaf Champions League titles, the most successful stretch for the team in recent decades.
That through line of not being afraid of a challenge has led him to the Quakes, who finished the 2018 season with the league's worst record.
“Honestly, I’m coming to San Jose for a very simple reason. Despite the struggles, there is a long-term project here that is being realized, and I want to help this club reach the successes it once knew. That to me is very appealing,” he told SI.com. “I am always attracted to the challenge.”
Almeyda, known for motivating his players to an exceptional degree, vows the Earthquakes under him will put everything they can into getting results and playing well.
“I want San Jose fans to know that this will be a team where all will run and all will compete,” he said. “Every single player will be aware of the tremendous responsibility of wearing the San Jose shirt. So they’ll leave everything on the pitch.”
You can read more on Almeyda at SI.com.
