Mika Stahre, former San Jose Earthquakes head coach, believes that the decision to release him was not from Quakes GM Jesse Fioranelli, but those within the upper echelons of Quakes management.

In an article published on the Swedish website fotbollskanalen (and translated by #DomOut supporter Cindybuttsmacker on reddit), Mika Stahre is quoted as saying “As I understood it, it’s the leadership above the GM that wanted to see a change in the last six matches and see a better shot.”

Mika Stahre also took indirect shots at Jesse Fioranelli, saying that “I personally am also not interested in continuing with a partnership/business where you know that you’re not competitive” while adding “neither our defensive players nor our organization have been sharp enough to stand up to our opponents’ skill.” Stahre goes on to say that “the coach should hold yourself responsible, but in this case I think it’s a really complicated issue. And it’s not just about the coach or the squad, it’s the whole thing that didn’t work.” This implies that he holds others responsible for the Quakes’ collapse outside of the coaching staff, including possibly the man responsible for player acquisition.

Stahre hinted at what many have suspected since Jesse’s arrival: that the coach does not have complete control of the team, and Jesse may be a little too involved as the GM. “I want an interesting job and of course I want one with the pieces to win matches and titles, and preferably one where I have full control over my area. This way, you can mold the team how you like, and train it how you like.” If true, this could be a deal-breaker for many potential head coaches that will be interviewing for the position.

It was telling that Earthquakes President Tom Fox and Jesse Fioranelli were available for the press conference that followed Stahre’s dismissal. Normally a general manager would not have to have members of the executive management present to explain his decisions (see: Dom Kinnear), but if the decision came from above Jesse, it would certainly explain why Fox was fielding media questions.

It may also imply that the upper management is not pleased with Fioranelli as general manager and took matters into their own hands for the good of the club in Stahre’s sacking. If so, the club’s trust with Jesse could be on the rocks, and Jesse may be the next member of the soccer operations team to see the door.

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