Philadelphia Union Announces Bradley Carnell as New First Team Head Coach

The Philadelphia Union announced today that Bradley Carnell will take over the reins from former head coach Jim Curtin.  Some of the existing coaching staff will remain, including the goalkeeper coach Phil Wheddon, and some staff will be added.

Ernst Tanner explained in a press conference today that the search for a new coach involved about 100 applications, which he winnowed down to ten.

Two essential facets of Carnell’s coaching philosophy stood out among the other options.  First, Carnell favors the press, and Tanner felt that this was a significant piece of the “misalignment” that had evolved between himself and Jim Curtin.  Indeed, Carnell described his approach as “proactive” and an “in your face” style of play.  He offered the 60-30-10 percentage statistic — 60% of goals should result from transition, 30% from set pieces and 10% from possession.

Second, Carnell is dedicated to the development of the young players.  Carnell explained that every player, including the veterans, can be sharpened.  It is a matter of understanding where they are in their soccer careers and personal life.  To be sure, Jim Curtin was capable enough with the Union’s youth players, as more than a handful had been refined, polished and sold under Curtin’s watch.  Carnell advocated team cohesion as path to winning with an already strong roster, emphasizing communications with the younger players and veterans alike.

With a two-year contract, Carnell will have to work quickly toward that goal.

Many Philadelphia fans were unhappy with the Union’s 2024 season, and Carnell is but one of the changes taking place at the Union.  Leon Flach, who made a splash in 2021, suffered injuries in 2023 and substituted for the testy Jose Martinez in 2024, was not re-signed.  After declining his option, the Union was unable to come to terms with the reliable Jack Elliott, who had spent his entire professional career with Philadelphia.  Chicago fans will come to love the long-legged and smart playing center back.

Management added by one-year loan the 23-year old Argentinian center back, Ian Glavinovich, who comes from Newell’s Old Boys club.  It also re-signed veterans Alejandro Bedoya and Olivier Mbaizo.

Philadelphia’s fanbase is waiting to see whether these changes will fix the Union’s problems.