Positive things from Chelis at Chivas USA

José Luis “Chelís” Sánchez Solá may be trying to impose his ideas on MLS in his early days at Chivas USA, but the analog he uses at the end of MLSSoccer.com’s latest report is an encouraging one. The former Puebla boss likens his new relationship with American soccer as a marriage, one in which both sides will have to make adjustments:

“Until you start living together, you just don’t know anything,” he said. “You don’t know what matrimony is until you’re in it. Yes, I knew about this league, but it isn’t until now that I’ve learned about it. Every day I try to wake up very early and go to sleep very late so I can learn more.”

Perhaps that’s just lip service, but if the quotes reflect his true feelings, it’s an encouraging note for Chivas USA fans. The beginning of the franchise’s history lacked such humility, and as we point out every time an imported coach is discussed in this space, too many minds come to Major League Soccer expecting their approach to meet immediate success. At least Chelis is conscious some adjustment needs to be made, even if the point of his hire is to import a new approach.

And to his credit, Chelis is bringing some ideas north. The idea of pushing for turnovers and converting them into quick chances is not dissimilar to what Caleb Porter will try to go in Portland. In Mexico, it’s a staple of the game, leading to an exciting brand of play that’s rarely short on energy.

If Major League Soccer sees a little more of that, I’m all for it. Attractive soccer comes in a lot of different forms. Chelis seems intent on implementing a specific one, even if some of the revelations he’s bringing may be overhyped. The tape on the field described in the linked piece sounds more like an alternative to cones than some training ground epiphany.

For now, the players seem to be on board, particularly with the communication they’re getting from their new boss:

Added midfielder Jorge Villafaña: “He’s a coach that’s always talking, always giving us tips, and it’s something positive for us. What he says is always a form of encouragement.”

It sounds a like a big change from the last days of the Robin Fraser era. At worst, there’s a new energy around the squad.