After an embarrassing California Classico loss over the weekend, San Jose Earthquakes fans demanded change. That change started with General Manager Jesse Fioranelli being let go by the team.
During Fioranelli’s four-and-a-half-year tenure in charge of the Earthquakes, the team compiled 41 wins, 67 losses, and 28 ties and made the playoffs in 2017 and 2020.
Once again, the Quakes will attempt to start a rebuild of the perenially underachieving franchise. Although the team is coming off consecutive blowout losses to Orland and Los Angeles Galaxy, the Quakes will keep coach Matias Almeyda in charge of the team.
“I would like to thank Jesse for his commitment and dedication to our club,” said Earthquakes Managing Partner John Fisher. “We wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward. With the majority of the season remaining, our focus is on earning a playoff spot, and we have confidence that Matias, our coaching staff, and our players, who led us to the playoffs last year, can turn this around and make that happen.”
“Leaving isn’t easy because I have been very fortunate to work with an incredible group of people whose priority has always been to put the club first,” Fioranelli remarked during the team announcement. “…Being able to witness the growth of our players, while working with Matias on a unique pathway and a brand of football that goes far beyond the tactics of the game, makes me hopeful that I am leaving our club with a bright future ahead.”
Almeyda said he enjoyed his tenure working under Fioranelli, who brought the Argentian coach to the Quakes after the disastrous tenure of his previous head coach choice, Mikael Stahre, in 2018.
“This is our work. Sometimes decisions are made, and you have to leave your job and start a new life,” said Almeyda.
Earthquakes star forward Chris Wondolowski noted he had developed a good working environment with the former GM.
“I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and made my emotions pretty clear,” Wondolowski said. “I appreciate him letting me open up in many different ways and expressing those desires and concerns. It was a pretty open relationship in those terms. I appreciate all his work and dedication.”
The Earthquakes will attempt to turn around their season on Saturday traveling to face Minnesota United (5 pm PDT kickoff).
“There is no doubt that we are in a difficult moment,” said Quakes midfielder Tommy Thompson. “But we have gone through these moments before as a team, so we are focusing on the positives and what we have done well.”
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