CARSON, Calif. – Not long after Chivas USA formally introduced José Luis Sánchez Solá as their new manager on Friday during a media event at Home Depot Center, the fiery coach continued his blunt approach to things, dropping the surprise admission that he doesn’t intend to spend considerable time in the United States.
“I don’t see myself living here two years,” Sánchez Solá told reporters. “The people are what’s important to the institution. The foundation of the organization is what’s important.”
Sánchez Solá downplayed his significance to the club, likening himself to the “head of a needle.” He acknowledged he’s in Los Angeles to create excitement and nothing else.
“I would rather lose 5-4 or 5-2 than to win 1-0,” he said. “I want fans to be happy and entertained.”
READ: Chivas pay tribute to Los Angeles with second jersey
“El Chelís” said he misses his home state of Puebla the most.
“I may look like a young guy but, no, I’m a very old guy,” said Sánchez Solá, who turned 54 in January. “I miss my home, my family, my friends, my seat, my TV and the ocean. ... Sometimes [Puebla] is not a nice town. Sometimes the people don’t look at me good, but it is my home.”
The club unveiled a new away kit and introduced players, coaches and staff members ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Columbus (10:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online). President Jose David and sporting director Dennis te Kloese were also on hand.
“Chelís brings a lot of things on and off the field,” te Kloese told MLSsoccer.com. “For starters, he will make a lot of noise for the franchise. Second of all, he has a good knowledge of what goes on in Mexico and he’ll acquire the knowledge to be successful in MLS hopefully as soon as possible. For him and as well for us, it’s a very good situation.”
