GUADALAJARA, Mexico – After a personally successful first season in Mexico but a disappointing one for Puebla, DaMarcus Beasley is looking forward to a new campaign and to working with former MLS coach and new La Franja boss Juan Carlos Osorio.
“I'd seen him in MLS, he was in Chicago,” the former Fire star recently told Mexican sports daily La Afición. “I've only heard good things about him from different coaches and players, so it's a pleasure to work with him.”
Osorio arrived in MLS during the 2007 season and helped Chicago to the Eastern Conference Championship that fall. In a shock move prior to the 2008 campaign, the Colombian signed on to coach the New York Red Bulls and led the franchise to its first-ever MLS Cup final before a 16-game losing streak in 2009 saw him relieved of his duties that August.
Osorio went on to coach and win a Colombian league title with Once Caldas before signing on to coach Puebla in November.
Beasley, who started 16 of the team's 17 games last season and contributed a pair of goals, is aware that a new coach could mean some changes.
“Everyone has to fight for their position,” said the 29-year-old. “Some [players] will leave, others will return – you never know what's going to happen. There's one month to go until the season starts.”
Beasley joined his Puebla teammates in preseason training earlier this week, slightly later than intended after his flight from Miami was canceled. Nevertheless, he told the local press he is feeling good and hopes to have another good season.
“Obviously, I'm hoping for the playoffs, to improve on last season, play more attacking, score goals, but also to defend better,” he said.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America. He can be reached via tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter: @mexicoworldcup
