Roughly a month after FC Cincinnati hired Gerard Nijkamp as General Manager, the club still awaits its next head coach.
But that doesn’t mean there’s a rush, though.
When Nijkamp spoke during his introductory press conference on May 28, he said finding the right candidate is more important than the length of the coaching search.
“What I think is important is that we do not feel the pressure of time,” he said. “It must be a good fit, so if it takes more time for us to find to find this new head coach, we will take that time because that is very important in the next step we have to make for this club.”
He also noted that the Orange and Blue initially had a long list of potential candidates for the position, but that would shrink over time. Naturally, that list is shrinking.
Although nothing is official, there were reports Friday night of FC Cincinnati shortlisting candidates such as Alan Pardew, Tab Ramos and Aitor Karanka, ESPN reported.
When Nijkamp was asked for what traits he’s seeking in a coach, here’s what he said in May:
“FC Cincinnati need a coach who is adapting to (our) type of philosophy. They must be able to fit regarding the culture of the club in the way of who we want to be and the way we do it together. Trust is also important in the culture.”
While there’s no timetable on a head coach announcement, that means FCC are both still looking for the right candidate and pleased with the club’s current approach from Yoann Damet.
Since Damet became the interim head coach on May 7, his coaching philosophy has resembled that of the famous Dutch style: a 4-3-3 formation that builds from the back with a possession-based approach.
“We are focused on ensuring we make the right hire for our next head coach, who will likely lead our team into our new stadium, so we’re not under a false time pressure,” Berding said. “We are very confident in Yoann and have full confidence and faith in the work he’s doing with the team to start instilling a new and consistent way of playing.
“With him leading us right now with a positive energy, it allows us the opportunity to be thorough and deliberate in our head coach hire,” Berding added.
