Steve,

Last season, I got on you for being excessively critical of a Crew team that was dealing with a nasty string of injuries. To be even handed, I think this may be a bit too glowing of a preview. Yes, under Warzycha, the team has been tough to oppose, but well organized? Let’s be honest, Warzycha often confuses even veteran players with his “moves” and few coaches have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in big games more than Robert has. Unfortunately, Warzycha has what I call “my system” disease. He wants players to follow his “system”, even when they are ill suited to do so. I was impressed that he was even open to trying a new formation in an attempt to play to Arrieta’s and Higuain’s strengths, but I suspect that has far, far more to do with this being a contract year than it does to a Robert having a major philosophical coaching epiphany. I think for the Crew to really break through to the next level and bring back realistic dreams of the Championship, a new coach is badly needed. Losing Sigi was a blow the team still hasn’t fully recovered from and Robert, well, Robert is no Sigi. I think with the talent and the youth the team has now, attracting an innovative and proven coach to Columbus shouldn’t be a challenge. Unfortunately, Warzycha will probably re-sign on the cheap – who else is going to offer him a job – and, often, the decisions made in Columbus are made strictly based on getting the lowest cost option available.