With the growing rise of the MLS, day by day we have been looking at several big names, joining the project to expand the league into one of the best leagues in the world. With this growing reputation, a club formed back in December 2019, Charlotte FC, has taken a massive step towards this success.
Within the 3 years of being founded, Charlotte FC has already managed to hold some form of recognition around the world. During the off-season of Europe back in July 2022, Charlotte FC got to face, the English giants, Chelsea in a friendly competition wherein they managed to hold them for a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and then went on to win the match 5-3 in the penalty shootout.
🚨 Frank Lampard and Dean Smith are competing to take over at MLS side Charlotte FC.
(Source: @TheAthleticFC ) pic.twitter.com/v2dNpmLNSN
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 7, 2023
After the end of the previous season, Charlotte FC fired their head coach, Lattanzio. Last season Charlotte made their debut across the playoffs of the MLS for the first time in their existence, but went in to lose 5-2 to the New York Red Bulls.
Holding out to such an impressive run of form, Charlotte FC has managed to attract English legend, Frank Lampard and former Aston Villa boss, Dean Smith. With both holding out immense experience both as a player and as a head coach, they could prove to be vital across the initial journey of the American side.
Managerial record of Frank Lampard and Dean Smith
Most soccer-loving English fans are aware of Frank Lampard and Dean Smith. The two have gone through a coaching career after successful playing careers. Though their trajectories have gone separate ways, contrasting their managerial record helps in understanding their plus and minus points.
Lampard started his management career with a lot of promise. The tactical capability plus a talent for inspiring the young team was demonstrated when he took Derby’s players up to Chelsea. He reached a top 4 position to lead his team to the UEFA Champions League, notwithstanding a transfer ban at Chelsea, proving that he is flexible enough to cope with emergencies.
However, inconsistencies plagued his tenure. Defensively stable Lampard’s Chelsea was not always there, and there was some criticism of his tactical and teamwork skills. It was no better at Everton where he was eventually sacked after only one season.
However, an analysis of Smith’s managerial record shows a contrasting image. What many consider his remarkable achievement came with the soccer he played with the Brentford team across the second division of English soccer. These features assisted him to be flexible in his tactics and created an effective team.
Following such entertaining soccer, Smith earned himself a job at Aston Villa. Wherein, he led them to emphatic progress with which they managed to qualify for the Premier League after a 2-year absence. During this run in the Championship, Smith led Aston Villa upon a remarkable run of 10 wins in 10 matches itself to break a 109-year-old club record for longest winning run.
Both managers are still relatively young in their managerial careers and have plenty of time to learn and develop. Lampard’s charisma and experience as a player could be valuable assets if he can address his tactical and decision-making weaknesses. Smith’s tactical adaptability and ability to build strong teams could prove invaluable if he can find the right environment and overcome his struggles in the top flight.