MLS Atlanta Name Carlos Bocanegra Technical Director
MLS Atlanta has made its second big hire by naming Carlos Bocanegra the technical director of the Atlanta franchise.
While the club will not play its first game until 2017, they now have two well-respected names at the helm. Darren Eales, current club president, is well renowned in Europe for his time at West Brom and Tottenham where he oversaw top players such as Garreth Bale.
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Bocanegra, who also played in Europe, is famously known for captaining the U.S Men’s National Team. Carlos had 110 caps for the national team as a defender and gives Atlanta an immediate respectability in MLS and soccer circles.
According to MLS Atlanta Bocanegra’s “Technical Director” role will be non-coaching and will deal more with player development and scouting.
"In his role as technical director, Bocanegra, together with Eales, will oversee day-to-day non-coaching soccer operations of the first team, including development and implementation of a worldwide scouting network and oversight of player wellness and rehabilitation. In addition, he will oversee youth academy programs and serve as a liaison with MLS league officials on player regulations and other league rules."
Bocanegra is originally from California and has played all over the Europe including one stint in the Premier League and one stint in Ligue 1(French League).
Carlos has played in two different World Cups(’06 and ’10) and has a wealth of experience in the MLS. He was first drafted by the Chicago Fire after his stint in Europe, he returned home to finish his player career for Chivas USA.
Arthur Blank and Darren Eales have their hands full selling MLS to a historically tough Atlanta fan base. That being said, if the Bocanegra hire and the Founder’s Club are any indication of the direction of the club the city has a lot to look forward too.
Stayed tuned to ATL All Day for news on MLS Atlanta developments.