Frank Klopas Fired:
On Saturday evening after a lackluster 2-1 defeat to rivals Toronto FC the Montreal Impact relieved Head Coach Frank Klopas from his duties. The firing of Klopas brings to an end a difficult spell for the club which finished dead last in MLS last season winning only six matches. Although Klopas led the team to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, his record in regular season play was not good enough for Joey Saputo and the club.
As is always the case when there is a coaching change certain players benefit while others will be stripped of playing time. The following is a short list of the players that are set to benefit (as well as lose out) due to the firing of Klopas.
Firing of Klopas Could Benefit…
Patrice Bernier: Since the departure of Marco Schallibaum, Patrice Bernier has not seen a lot of playing time. A mainstay in the midfield before Klopas arrived could see a boost in playing time with the coaching change. Mauro Biello knows what he can get out of Bernier and there is no doubt the Captain of the Montreal Impact will see more playing time.
Biello said he spoke to Bernier yesterday. “When he gets healthy, I’m sure he’ll contribute” #IMFC
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 31, 2015
Eric Alexander: Here is a curious case. Alexander went from starting almost every game with a very good New York Red Bulls side in 2014 to somehow falling down the depth chart when he joined the Impact. Klopas did not have room for the American in the starting XI, however like Bernier this could change very soon.
Wandrille Lefèvre: Although Laurent Ciman and Victor Cabrera have formed a solid duo at the back for the Impact, Wandrille has come a long way since being signed by the senior side. With Ciman being away on international duty and suspended upon his return, Lefèvre has an excellent opportunity to show Biello what he can do.
Firing of Klopas Could Be Difficult For…
Calum Mallace: The 2014 season saw a big boost in playing time for the midfielder. Klopas put a lot of trust in the former University of Marquette player, so much so that he has been a regular feature in the Montreal midfield. Although Mallace has become an important player for the Impact, the firing of Klopas may force him into a reduced role.
Nigel Reo-Coker: Where to start? Nigel Reo-Coker has taken a lot of heat from Impact supporters this season. Klopas was very loyal to the former Aston Villa player, perhaps too much so. Although the Englishman can perhaps still be a useful player, Frank Klopas playing him out of position in the defense did nothing to help his situation.
Dominic Oduro: Dominic Oduro has been used exclusively as a striker since the departure of Jack McInerney almost a month ago now. With Drogba soon to be fit there is no doubt that Oduro will not be used to the extent he has been over the month of August.
Biello Looking to Shake Things Up:
Mauro Biello has been on the Montreal Impact staff since 2009 and has seen a lot of coaches come and go. Biello is very familiar with the players on the team and will no doubt be looking to shake things up over the next few weeks.
Mauro Biello has conducted himself VERY well during his presser. At times from the head & other times straight from the heart Good luck 2him
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) August 31, 2015
