Commanding Respect

From time to time, you'll see some friends of ours share their thoughts here on Sideline Views. Here is a contribution from a friend of Sideline Views, Matt Zimmerman.

After Chivas' playoff loss to Houston, then-coach Bob Bradley was giving someone who I assume was a supervisor of officials an earful. Chivas USA felt like some of the calls had been bogus, and the coach was letting this gentleman know about it. Right next to him, offering support and interjecting with strong words was Preki, Bradley's right-hand man throughout the season.

During practices, Preki played with the team often, while Bradley would stand in the middle of scrimmages and instruct. Preki has the respect, especially as someone who not so long ago was making defenses pay in MLS.

It will be interesting to see how he does as a head coach, considering he only has a single season as an assistant under his belt. But at the very least, the players will not ignore MLS' only two-time MVP.