After winning their first silverware, this past offseason has been unusually peaceful and quiet by Red Bull standards. Things got back to normal – read: tumultuous – on Monday when turnover hit all the way at the top, general manager Jerome de Bontin resigning just five days before the season opener.
The club announced in a statement that de Bontin – who had overseen business operations since October 2012 – had stepped down for personal reasons. Club officials did not comment. If the departure seemed sudden to those on the outside, that’s because it was.
“My assignment upon becoming general manager of the Red Bulls was to help the club further increase its relevance in the Tri-State area,” de Bontin said in a statement.
“We wanted to improve our performance both on and off the field so that our loyal fans as well as new fans would have a club that lived up to their expectations as the best club in MLS. I wish the club and staff success in the upcoming season and the future.”
De Bontin had replaced replacing Erik Solér, though his expertise was more financial than athletic, concentrating on attendance and the business side of operations. Meanwhile, sporting director Andy Roxburgh focused on the team, while Red Bull head of global soccer Gérard Houllier did the same for all of their clubs worldwide.
Roxburgh did not immediately return messages. No interim GM was named. The team did say the search for de Bontin’s replacement was underway, thanked him for his service and wished him and his family well.
The Red Bulls, who won the Supporters’ Shield last year with for the best record in MLS, open this season Saturday at Vancouver (7:30 p.m., MSG2). Their home opener is March 15 against Colorado at 4 p.m.