Matias Almeyda appears to be out of solutions.
For 2 weeks in a row, the usually-gregarious Quakes coach has skipped midweek and postgame press conferences, selecting to pay the league’s small fines slightly than face questions in regards to the worst begin in group historical past, or reply to experiences that he desires to depart the group.
However media obligations aren’t the difficulty. The group’s play tells you all there's to know. The Quakes (0-4-3) are the one one of many 28 MLS groups with no win and have allowed a league-worst 17 objectives, and it’s clear that Almeyda’s time in San Jose will likely be finished shortly.
Almeyda got here in 2018 with a popularity as a miracle employee. Almeyda led Mexican membership Chivas to 5 trophies from 2015-18 earlier than coming to the Quakes, the place his credentials as a turnaround specialist appeared like an ideal match for a membership that had gained solely 4 of 34 video games (4-21-9) the earlier season. Earlier than Chivas, Almeyda had been in his native Argentina, the place he led two relegated groups again to promotion.
However Almeyda by no means has appeared absolutely snug, or dedicated, in San Jose. Every season has introduced rumors of Almeyda being linked to Liga MX golf equipment or nationwide groups, most not too long ago Chile, hypothesis that intensified not too long ago when the Chivas job re-opened.
Almeyda introduced in gamers from Chivas, together with midfielder Chofis, winger Carlos Fierro and defender Oswaldo Alanis. However Almeyda’s full-field urgent model has by no means taken maintain in opposition to MLS competitors. Whereas the up-and-down motion is thrilling, it additionally appears to exhaust his gamers and result in many defensive breakdowns.
That was on show once more Saturday in a 2-2 draw in opposition to Nashville SC at PayPal Park. Within the first half, the Quakes allowed Hany Mukhtar to dribble from behind the middle line to the penalty spot and rating. Mukhtar was left utterly unchecked on the again publish on a free kick within the second half.
Within the early a part of Almeyda’s time with the Quakes, the group made up for these errors with sufficient offense to stay aggressive. This season, the group has scored in open play simply as soon as in its seven video games. Nonetheless, Alemyda hasn’t finished a lot to shake up the lineup besides when gamers are injured.
In fact, the membership’s issues pre-date Almeyda. Regardless of having MLS all-time main scorer Chris Wondolowski from 2009-21, the Quakes have completed greater than sixth within the Western Convention simply as soon as for the reason that franchise returned to San Jose in 2008.
Almeyda has complained previously in regards to the lack of spending from John Fisher, the billionaire proprietor who has carried over his small-market mindset from his possession of the Oakland A’s and never spent cash on high-priced acquisitions.
Besides Fisher did spend to herald Almeyda. Now Almeyda is within the closing 12 months of a four-year contract that neither the membership nor the coach appeared fascinated with extending earlier than the season.
And when Almeyda inevitably departs, he will likely be leaving the Quakes in the identical place he discovered them—useless final within the league.