BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Chicago Fire technical director and interim head coach Frank Klopas talked about his future with the club after Saturday’s season-ending win over Columbus, telling reporters that he’ll definitely be back with the Fire in 2012 – though he’s not yet sure in what capacity.
“I’ll be back somewhere, I don’t know where, exactly,” Klopas said. “When I stepped in, we said that we’re going to do this until the end of the season and then sit down as an organization when the season is done. In the next couple weeks, we’ll sit down and make the best decision going forward for the Fire.”
Klopas took over for former head coach Carlos de los Cobos on May 30, compiling an 8-5-10 league record. In addition Klopas also led Chicago to the US Open Cup final during his five months in charge.
The former Fire striker also made some key midseason acquisitions as technical director, signing impact midfielders Sebastián Grazzini and Pável Pardo and trading for starting right back Dan Gargan in July. He could conceivably return in 2012 solely as technical director, a position he’s held since January 2008.
Klopas said that several Fire front office personnel – including himself – will decide whether or not he’ll be back on the bench next season.
“It’s not only me, there are a lot of people that are involved,” Klopas said. “[Managing director] Javier León, [director of player personnel] Mike Jeffries and myself will all evaluate.”
“I’ve enjoyed every second of my professional job, especially what I’ve done here as interim coach with this group of guys,” he added. “I’ve always believed in this group. We’re going to evaluate, take a break, go to Greek Islands, have a bottle of wine, then next week we’re back to work.”
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com
