The 2010 MLS season doesn't start for another three months, but there is a distinct feeling of excited anticipation at The Home Depot Center. After a campaign that saw them eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, the players at Chivas USA are eager to get back to work and to get acquainted with their new head coach.
Martín Vásquez was named the Red-and-White's new coach on December 2 and will look to continue the success of his predecessor, Preki. Vásquez is a familiar face at Chivas USA, having served as an assistant coach for the club in its first three seasons.
"He's a great choice for us," said defender Mariano Trujillo. "He has all the tools that you need to coach Chivas USA. I know him pretty well and I'm really excited that he has come here."
As a player, Vásquez has spent time in both Mexico and the United States, making appearances for the national teams of both countries. The Jalisco native got his professional start in the fall of 1984 with the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He enjoyed stints in both the Mexican Primera Division and MLS before he hung up his cleats in 2000.
"He understands both the culture of Mexico and the culture of the United States," said Claudio Suarez. "That's really important for a team with roots in both places."
Vásquez also spent time at famed club Bayern Munich as an assistant to Jürgen Klinsmann.
"It's really impressive that he worked with Bayern Munich," said Chivas USA midfielder Jorge Flores. "He had a chance to work with players who are truly world class and that experience will help him here. I think it will be an easy transition for the team and we're all excited to start working with him."
The current Chivas USA roster is nearly identical to the one that finished the season, with the exception of Shavar Thomas' departure. The Jamaican defender was taken by Philadelphia Union in the expansion draft.
"Shavar is a great guy and an important player for Chivas USA, but I know that he'll be fine wherever he goes," said Trujillo. "That's just soccer. Trades happen. We wish him luck for his new team."
Vásquez inherits a squad that has qualified for the MLS playoffs in each of the last four years. But while the Red-and-White have enjoyed success, those close to the club insist that both Vásquez and the Chivas USA faithful must have patience during this transition period.
"The most important thing for Martín in his first year is to have patience," said former Chivas USA goalkeeper Martín Zúñiga. "This isn't going to be easy. He's very capable, but he has to make the transition to head coach. He's been an assistant, but there's a whole different set of pressure when you're the head coach. He has to learn how to drive the team forward.
"It's also important for the front office, the fans, and the press to have patience as well," he continued. "Martín can't change everything in one go; there's a transitional period. But this is a good step forward for Chivas USA and Martin is a very capable coach with lots of experience."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
