Pondering international schedule alignment

SoccerPrime · 09-28-2006, 05:52 AM

Fernando Clavijo calls for a int'l friendly schedule for MLS and also calls out lazy coaches. I can't help but think that he speaking directly of Ellinger, who seems to do a lot of video watching of players but not actually seeing the players live.

Although Clavijo is clearly the enemy, I can't help but agree with almost all of his comments.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=381867&root=mls&cc=5901

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 09-28-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ugly guy who coaches the cRaps

The biggest problem we have is that players make it [in college] if they are 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, even if they have no skills. It's all about size and speed, even if you cannot trap the ball.

I agree with this.....ever heard of Atiba Harris or Melvin Tarley?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clavijo

The younger or smaller but more technical kids do not have a chance.

Disagree here. I'm 5'9".....but line me up next to all of RSL's forwards & I'm the second tallest one behind Harris.

SoccerPrime · 09-28-2006, 08:06 AM

I think Clavijo is saying that smaller (MLS players are short, when I go to Spring Training, I am tall, at 6' then almost every player) players don't get a chance to shine in College soccer because its full of brutes.

Not sure thats true, but I could see that.

Loyal1 · 09-28-2006, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

... also calls out lazy coaches. I can't help but think that he speaking directly of Ellinger, who seems to do a lot of video watching of players but not actually seeing the players live.

Sounds like you know more than most of us about Ellinger's habits. I don't know how much JE travels to scout talent abroad, but I do know that he travels to scout other MLS matches when RSL is off.

SoccerPrime · 09-29-2006, 05:25 AM

We have read many times, like in the Croatia affair, how Ellinger merely signed a player based on friends or associates opinions and video of players.

Is this wrong? Does Ellinger do this for every player?

Of course, I have no idea. Its simply an observation.

I am sure that Clavijo is speaking of many MLS coaches...

Loyal1 · 09-29-2006, 08:35 AM

I agree, Senad Hallilovic was a mistake. But no more so than Matt Benckhe or Evan Whitfield that were scouted live as well as tape. Any other video tape signings that I'm forgetting?

Hallilovic spent how much time in an RSL uniform? I think less than a week once they landed in SLC. If letting a guy tryout and then cutting him when it's obvious he's no good gets a coach stick then keep it out... Compare Arena's first dozen games with Ellinger's. Or all the wonder coaches the metros had.

We got Ballouchy the same way. Friends told Ellinger to check him out. Tapes were sent. The guy was on the radar.

Clavijo's record of bringing in stiffs out paces Ellinger's by a notable margin. Niko and Karanka have some people forgetting the Clavijo Cuban connection but not me.

I stopped defending Ellinger months ago but this inference that Clavijo (crapid commander) is calling out Ellinger annoyed me. I think it's just as likely that he was refering to Hankinson. Or comparing Novak to Wrongagain.

SoccerPrime · 09-29-2006, 09:04 AM

My inference (how dare I?) was made because of Checketts comments last year on the unacceptable level of international scouting that RSL did in 2005.
In his comments at the time, Checketts referenced the fact that because RSL did not have a good int'l scouting system it had to rely on videos and heresay from other coaches.

I believe that gives me the option of having an opinion of Clavijo's comments.
I'm sorry if that upsets you.

RSLfrontrowfan · 09-29-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loyal1

Sounds like you know more than most of us about Ellinger's habits. I don't know how much JE travels to scout talent abroad, but I do know that he travels to scout other MLS matches when RSL is off.

I ran into Ellinger at the SLC airport last December when he was on his way out of town for a scouting trip. It was to watch the NCAA finals if I remember correctly. We chatted for a few minutes and I mentioned I'd been traveling a lot recently, he mentioned he had also been traveling a lot to scout players. I told him I was on my way to southern Italy and planned to see the Palermo vs Cagliari match. He jokingly told me to keep my eyes open for talent and then joked that nobody would come for what they would pay them anyway. So I know he travels to scout talent, I just don't know if any of it was abroad.