The Verde Report: Rodolfo Borrell Joins Austin FC as New Sporting Director: Club swings for the fences – and hits – with international hire – Sports

With the MLS mid-season transfer window opening this month, Austin F.C has arguably already secured the league’s summer signing…even if that person won’t see a single minute on the pitch.

The man in question is Rodolfo Borellwho signed a multi-year deal last Friday to become Austin FC’s athletic director, filling a vacancy that originally arose in January Claudia Reyna resigned from the same position due to the US national team controversy.

While Reyna provided ATXFC ​​with a well-connected and high-profile face for his front office before the scandal, Borrell could take all of that to a whole new level if he lives up to his resume. In nearly three decades of professional football, the 52-year-old Spaniard has been at the center of some of the greatest successes the sport has ever seen.

After starting his career as a youth coach at legendary FC Barcelona La Masia Academy – where he mentored a teenager Lionel MessiAlongside many other Blaugrana greats, Borrell emigrated to England to take on a senior role in Liverpool’s youth system. Most recently, Borrell has been with the last nine seasons Manchester Citywhere he served as an assistant coach pep Guardiola, universally recognized as the greatest football coach in the industry. Borrell was Guardiola’s right-hand man last season as City secured the ‘treble’ by winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup in the same season.

His next stop is Austin.

“I’ve wanted to get into MLS for a long time. That has always been a goal of mine. Although until now I thought it wasn’t the right time. I believe it now.” Is right now,” Borrell said in an edited interview posted to Austin FC social media.

While the term “sporting director” is usually thought of as the football equivalent of a general manager in major American sports, Borrell’s unique experience will likely mean his responsibilities extend beyond simply signing and selling first-team players. Obviously, he will be intensively involved in the further development of the young academy system in Austin. Based on Borrell’s coaching experience, there is also the potential he would like to work with Josh Wolff about the tactics of the first team of the club.

“Josh… we’ve known each other for a while,” Borrell said. “I am really looking forward to working with him.”

While Wolff remains one of American football’s rising young coaches, it’s no offense to point out that he’s not dealing with Pep Guardiola. It will be important for Borrell to understand this and dampen expectations accordingly. And while Borrell claims to be a longtime MLS supporter, there will certainly be a learning curve as he familiarizes himself with the league’s cryptic and never-ending rules for roster building. Lucky for him Sean Rubiowho acted as the club’s interim sporting director following Reyna’s departure and has extensive experience in all matters relating to TAM/GAM/DP etc. retains a senior role in the ATX front office.

Borrell won’t have much time to settle in before his services are needed to help Austin FC to a late MLS Cup Playoffs advancement. The summer transfer window officially opened on Wednesday and El Tree have more than a few areas that need reinforcements, most notably the centre-back.

After the draw of a Messi-less InterMiami CF After a 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale at the weekend, the Verde and Black are now preparing for the trip to St Paul where they will face off on July 8th Minnesota Unitedanother club hoping to spark a resurgence as summer begins.