Octavio Zambrano, who previously saw success helming the LA Galaxy (1997-99) and the MetroStars (2000-02), wants back in MLS, and he believes he has what it takes to succeed in the league again.
"Knowing the inner workings of the league is crucial for success," he told BigAppleSoccer.com in an in-depth conversation about his career and his ambitions. "It is my mentality, my ability to put winning teams on the field -- the LA Galaxy and New York -- one of the most exciting teams to watch.
"That idea on how to play the game, that philosophy of playing entertaining, attacking football; that is an important aspect I can bring to an MLS team or any team for that matter."
Attacking was never a problem for Zambrano's MLS squads. His 1998 Galaxy side, which easily won the Western Conference that year, still holds the single-season record for goals with 85 in 32 matches. His 2000 New York side finished first in the Eastern Division after firing in 64 goals in 32 games, powered largely by Clint Mathis's 13 goal, 13 assist campaign.
Overall, his .587 winning percentage is second best all-time in MLS among coaches with at least 50 games managed. Only LA Galaxy's Bruce Arena has a better winning percentage (.602).
Zambrano has spent the past decade bouncing around various managerial roles, including with Moldovan side CS Tiligul-Tiras, Hungarian club FC Tatanya, and Colombian side Deportiva Pereira. He was also an assistant with Kansas City from 2009 to 2011.
