Former St Louis City coach Bradley Carnell has revealed that a PSL club recently expressed interest in him, suggesting it could have been a good fit.
Carnell is without a club after parting ways with MSL side St. Louis City in July. He made history as St. Louis City’s inaugural head coach, guiding the club to the top of the Western Conference during a remarkable 2023 season.
His quick connection with the St. Louis community and his team’s early success solidified his reputation as a promising coach.
However, the club’s fortunes took a turn, leading to Carnell’s dismissal. The decision came after a disappointing 4-3 loss to Vancouver, extending their winless streak to nine games.
Injuries and player absences had significantly impacted the team’s performance throughout the season.
WHICH PSL CLUB COULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT FIT FOR CARNELL
The former Bafana Bafana international confirmed there had been some “possibilities” and “some discussions” with many clubs.
Carnell, known for his high-intensity, pressing style of play, believes his approach would have meshed well with AmaZulu FC’s traditionally aggressive and warrior-like mentality.
“I think there’s been some possibilities,” he told FARPost. “There’s been some discussions with many clubs. I’m not saying AmaZulu was concrete or not. But for me, it’s about the timing… I have to find the right time, the right club.
“So yeah. And I need to ensure that’s the right fit because I have a unique style, and I’m the most aggressive coach in the MLS.”
He named AmaZulu FC a club that could have perfectly fit his coaching style. He was linked to a move to the Durban outfit following the sacking of Spaniard Pablo Franco Martin recently.
“I have to look at the teams wisely and see whether it is a good fit or not. I think AmaZulu would have stood out for sure because, you know, very dynamic, very aggressive, traditionally the warrior-like mentality,” he added.
“It could have been a good fit, but maybe just the wrong time right now. I’m not saying it’s not going to happen in the future.”
The Johannesburg-born coach, who gained valuable experience in the MLS, emphasised the importance of finding the right club and timing. “I have to find the right time, the right club,” he explained. “I need to make sure it’s the right fit because I have a very unique, aggressive style.”
CARNELL’S IMPRESSIVE STATS IN THE MLS
Carnell’s coaching philosophy revolves around a high-pressing, counterattacking approach that has proven successful in MLS. In his short stint with St. Louis City, his team consistently ranked among the league leaders in pressing, counterattacking, and defensive intensity.
“I pulled some stats,” Carnell revealed. “In one-and-a-half years, my team scored 91 goals in 58 games, seventh most in the MLS, but we had the lowest budget. We were first for pressing, first for PPDA [Passes
Allowed Per Defensive Action], first for aggression, third for counter-attacking shots, and third in our defensive distance. So we defend really high away from our goal and number one in counter presses.”
He added that his family is key in whatever decision he takes for his next coaching job.
“My family…that goes into my decision-making as well. I have a daughter now who still has high school to finish. I have another one in college, which is good. So, I’m still catering to my daughter, who lives at home with us. So I’m just taking all things into consideration.”
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