DEAN SMITH: “I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO PITTING MY WITS AGAINST A TEAM WITH LIONEL MESSI IN IT”
The former Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester boss now manages Charlotte FC – this year, he has to figure out how to stop arguably the greatest player of all
Words Ryan Dabbs
You became manager of North Carolina club Charlotte FC in December. How did it come about?
I was asked whether I wanted to join the process to become head coach here – I’d met the directors before, when I came to watch a Charlotte game about 18 months ago. When I joined the process for the job, I thought about it and asked questions to people I know who coach and play in MLS. I also spoke to my family, because it’s not just a big move for me, but also for them as well. Fortunately, I’ve got a son who’s been playing out in the Carolinas for the last six years, so that obviously helped our decision. We’ve had vacations here over the last six years because of that, so we know it fairly well. I really liked what I’d heard about the club, then when I visited the facilities I was impressed with them. I thought it was going to be the right challenge for me at this time.
You’re one of five English managers in MLS, together with Phil Neville (Portland), Nick Cushing (New York City), Gary Smith (Nashville) and John Herdman (Toronto). Did you talk to any of the other four while considering the job?
No, although I did speak to Kwame Ampadu, the assistant coach of Columbus Crew, who won MLS last year. I played with Kwame [at Leyton Orient] and asked him for his opinion – he was at Montreal before also. He certainly believed it’s a really improving league, and one I’d enjoy managing in.
All eyes are on MLS now because of Lionel Messi. Are you looking forward to facing him and Inter Miami later on in the year?
Yeah, the name’s synonymous with the sport in general, and he’s certainly helped to build a massive interest in MLS. But it’s growing more than just because of the impact of one player. It’s a young league, a growing league, so having the world’s best player here can only enhance it. I’m really looking forward to pitting my wits against a side with Messi in it.
When you started out as a manager at Walsall, did you expect to be taking on Messi one day?
I’ve had to work hard to get where I am now. To coach in the Premier League was huge for me – I remember coaching under-14 teams while my daughter did her homework on the side of the pitch, so to now be pitting my wits against the world’s b
