Here’s a definition of a successful start to a season: a brand new club enters a professional league, and goes second after the first four matches. German coach Sigi Schmid and his Seattle Sounders team have achieved just that in North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS). The Sounders rattled off three wins on the bounce, and although they lost for the first time last weekend, they lie just behind leaders Chivas USA in the Western Conference.

"It’s going well for us at the moment. We’ve made a good start, which is important for our confidence, and our fans in Seattle are really incredible," Tuebingen-born Schmid exclusively related to FIFA.com, praising both his squad and the boisterous Qwest Field crowd.

Even though only one club has made a better start in the north-west section of the American league, Schmid is mindful of the very real risk of expectations running out of control for the new kids on the block. His feet remain firmly rooted to the ground, evidenced by his sober assessment of the team’s prospects and realistic goals for the campaign.

"The critical thing in our league is to reach the play-offs. It’s unimportant whether you’re top after the regular season. The knockout round is what matters, and our target is simply to make it that far," he declared, deliberately seeking to extinguish any potentially unrealistic dreams and hopes among players and supporters alike.

It’s unimportant whether you’re top after the regular season. The knockout round is what matters, and our target is simply to make it that far.
Sigi Schmid would settle for second place.

Schmid, who grew up in Trillfingen in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, amassed a wealth of coaching experience before taking the Seattle Sounders helm. He coached at UCLA from 1980 to 1999, leading the renowned institution to the national college championship in 1985, 1990 and 1997. Schmid also acted as assistant national coach for the host nation at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, and was head coach of the US U-20 national team.

He first stepped up to the MLS plate with Los Angeles in 1999, leading the Galaxy to US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup glory in 2001. He was dismissed by LA in 2004 and returned to the USA U-20 hot seat. The 56-year-old reappeared in the North American top flight in 2006-7 as Columbus Crew head coach. He was named MLS Coach of the Year two seasons later after leading Columbus to the MLS Cup the previous year.

"I was out of contract in Columbus, and I had the feeling they weren’t that interested in retaining me as coach. We’re aiming to build something big here in Seattle, and it’s all more or less worked out so far," Schmid reflects on his decision to join the league’s newest entrant.

The two most experienced players in Schmid’s squad undoubtedly have a crucial role to play in the Sounders’ development process. Keeper Kasey Keller and former Sweden international Fredrik Ljungberg enjoy special status and responsibility at the fledgling club, Schmid says. "They’re very important players for me as a coach. Kasey adds huge stability to the defence, and he’s still playing to the highest standard. Freddy joined us a little later than planned due to injury, but he keeps things organised in midfield and exercises a lot of control. Like Kasey, he’s an important character both on and off the field," Schmid explained to FIFA.com.

Kasey adds huge stability to the defence, and he’s still playing to the highest standard. Freddy keeps things organised in midfield and exercises a lot of control.
Schmid lauds the Seattle stars.



Schmid’s first few months in Seattle have told him all he needs to know about the potential waiting to be exploited in the team, the club, and the city itself. His assessment, based on his long years of experience on the North American soccer scene, and delivered to FIFA.com in his trademark Swabian-accented English, includes the prospect of future trophy triumphs.

"In terms of success, I’m hoping to continue where I left off in Columbus. That’s the reason I came to Seattle. We have a team capable of challenging for honours within the next three years. You always need a little bit of luck, but our blend of youth and experience certainly means we have the potential. If we keep on developing, the championship is a dream we can realise in the near future."

Sigi Schmid is no dreamer, but when the conversation turns to the USA national team and the German Bundesliga, he cannot disguise his enthusiasm and ambition: "Obviously, working as a national coach would be a massive honour, although USA coach Bob Bradley is extremely experienced and very good too. It would still be fantastic if the opportunity ever arose."

"The Bundesliga is definitely of interest. Unfortunately, the Germans still think you can’t be any good as a coach if you’ve come from America, but background has nothing to do with a coach’s quality. It would be nice if I ever had the chance, but I really don’t know if it’ll happen," commented Schmid, who still takes an annual six to eight-week summer vacation back in his home country.

And who knows: maybe one day the situation might be reversed, with Schmid busy at work in the German top flight – and taking his summer holidays in North America.