Sporting KC's Interim Coach Shares Secrets to Transforming the Team

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Sporting KC has brought in their new interim head coach, Kerry Zavagnin, during a period where the squad requires a significant turnaround for better fortunes.

Why it matters: Following the split between Kansas City's professional men's soccer club owners, long-time head coach Peter Vermes By the end of March, the club discovers itself at an unparalleled crossroads of transformation.

The intrigue: Since the team changed its name from the KC Wizards to Sporting KC, they haven't had another head coach. in 2010 .

State of play: Sporting KC's fans are desperate For yet another successful season following three consecutive losing seasons and a challenging beginning to 2025.

We talked To Zavagnin regarding his days as a player with the Kansas City Wizards and his strategies for bringing forth the next victorious squad.

The interview has been slightly modified for brevity and clarity.

Which memories stand out from your time with the KC Wizards?

• The standout game for me was the conference finals against the Galaxy back in 2000. While walking through the corridors of Arrowhead Stadium near their locker room, I noticed a plastic barrier up as though they were prepared to pop champagne bottles in celebration. This only reinforced our resolve; we weren’t about to let that happen. Our team was already highly motivated, but seeing that curtain made us even more determined not to lose.
• "[Forward] Mo Johnston put his head inside the boot — The shoe — belonging to a player, directed the ball towards our striker, Miklos Molnar, who evaded the goalkeeper and scored the decisive goal. And Mo was grinning from ear to ear despite being bloodied up."

Following your retirement from play, you became an assistant coach in 2009. What has kept you here all this time?

• What I discovered was a coach along with a group of individuals and an organization that had faith in me, and once you have this support, you learn to appreciate it greatly.
• ..., I was fortunate enough to be seated beside Peter Vermes and help develop the club.

What challenges do you encounter when taking over from Vermes?

• I wouldn’t go so far as to call them ‘challenges.’ They’re actually opportunities... He and the owners, leveraging past efforts, have positioned the club well for future growth. Instead of seeing this new phase as tough, I find it exhilarating.

What is the upcoming version?

• In the short term, the primary task is shifting the perspective of a team that has faced setbacks... Now, lifting them up and fostering faith, confidence, and optimism stands as the initial move — vowing to be competitive once more.

How would that actually appear?

• The team had evident issues. ... We were conceding too many goals. We weren’t generating sufficient opportunities, and that’s truly what decides matches, isn't it? In both penalty areas.
• Recognizing what we can manage and what we cannot is key. … So, when we step onto the field for each match, we bring a specific amount of vigor, a particular degree of passion, along with genuine intent and objective.

What we're watching: The Sporting ownership started a worldwide hunt for the upcoming head coach position that encompasses Zavagnin.

• Sporting might additionally seek to employ a distinct assistant. chief soccer officer According to The Kansas City Star, this was reported.

What's next: With a 3-3-8 record and 19 games left During this season, Sporting KC faces plenty of work still needed.

• Their upcoming home match is on Saturday. against New England .

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