One of MLS’ worst-kept secrets was confirmed Tuesday, with New York City FC finally announcing Jason Kreis as its head coach.
The club – which is owned by Manchester City and the Yankees – was announced as MLS’ 20th team back in May, and is slated to begin league play in 2015.
“Jason is one of the true pioneers of Major League Soccer, and a leader any team would be proud to have at the helm,’’ said NYCFC’s Sporting Director Claudio Reyna.
“His skills and experience, together with his commitment to quality football make him the ideal choice to lead New York City FC in its first season and beyond. He has already left a historic mark on the league, both as a player and coach and we have every confidence in him continuing to do so at New York City FC.”
Kreis, who just lost the MLS Cup with Real Salt Lake, starts work in January. He’ll fly to England to spend time at Manchester City, working with coach Manuel Pellegrini, World Cup winner Patrick Vieira and Champions League winner Txiki Bergiristain, who is the team’s Director of Football.
The idea is for Kreis to watch Manchester City’s coaching, training, and player development, and apply it to New York City FC. But he’s had his own wild success in seven years at Real Salt Lake, including winning MLS Cup in 2009 and barely losing in PKs last weekend to Sporting Kansas City.
“I am looking forward to making my contribution to New York City FC from the very outset,’’ said Kreis. “The opportunity to develop the first professional club based in New York City was impossible to pass up as was the chance to immerse myself in the football operations in Manchester observing some of the leading figures in European football.
“There will be a lot to do before our inaugural season in 2015, but I’m confident that with the support teams in the City organization, we will be well placed to hit the ground running…I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with Real Salt Lake, including its fantastic fans for the many special years I spent there. I wish them all the very best for the future.’’
After retiring from a stellar career as a striker in 2007 – Kreis had been the MLS MVP in 1999, and was the first league player to hit 100 goals – he was immediately named the head coach at Real Salt Lake, the youngest active coach in MLS. Now he’ll come to New York with the chance to build another team, and a local rivalry with the Red Bulls.
“We are delighted that Jason is joining us as our Head Coach. His experience in MLS speaks for itself and he will be able to add to that experience by working with our football team in Manchester during 2014,’’ said Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano.
“With the leadership of Jason and Claudio we are providing New York City FC with both top-level knowledge of soccer in the US and world class soccer know-how from Europe. This is the ideal platform for NYCFC to start. We are very excited.”
Also on Tuesday, sources told The Post that the club is “very close” to signing a deal to build a $400M, 28,000-seat home near Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.