Weston Mckennie protests after George Floyd was killed by Police. Mckennie is wearing an armband that reads “justice for George.”
In Milan, a young Texan named Weston Mckennie scored for Juventus, helping the Italian giants topple league leaders AC Milan. In Manchester, Pennsylvanian goalkeeper Zack Steffen kept a clean sheet for City, sending them to the Carabao Cup final. While these US men’s national team stars played on two of the biggest stages in world football, right wing rioters stormed the Capital building in Washington D.C. to halt the certification of the US presidential election. As US soccer fans celebrated Mckennie’s goal, news outlets covered white nationalists ransacking the offices of US congresspeople. These “protestors” who broke the doors and windows of the US Capital were met with little police or military response in the first few hours after breaking in.
In circumstances such as these, the political contradictions of our national team are more apparent than ever. Weston Mckennie himself said (as a Black man), that he represents a country that “possibly doesn’t even accept me, just for the color of my skin.” Mckennie along with Steffen and a large group of other Black players, represent a country built on slavery and apartheid, in which 1,609 black people were killed by police between 2013 and 2019.
Graph by mappingpoliceviolence.org
Racism in policing is such a problem that it led US right back Deandre Yedlin to contemplate quitting the national team. The right back who plays for Newcastle in the Premier League said to Sky Sports that he had a hard time representing a country where “all people aren’t equal.” The United States has long harbored white nationalists in its government and police forces, which is exemplified in the incitement and response (or lack thereof) which culminated in the takeover of the US Capital. Indeed, the US president (Trump) has emboldened–arguably explicitly supported–white supremacists.
National teams are a source of pride for the countries they represent, and are inseparable from a country’s politics. Cheering for the national team while players like Mckennie are scared of driving while Black in the US, should expose to every fan the lie that sports are apolitical. While US fans pin their hopes to a talented crop of Black players, too many fans are silent in the struggles that Black players face. Mckennie and Steffen have both protested in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during games played for their non-US teams. Their protests, repudiate the idea that sports can exist outside the racist mess that is the US political sphere. In the United States, as seen in the NFL with Colin Kaepernick and US Soccer ban on protests during the national anthem, sports are used to maintain the status quo.
When US Soccer revoked the anti-protest policy after George Floyd’s death last summer, it represented a small piece of the large reckoning US soccer needs to support its Black players. The federation, which finally allowed protest messages on warm up jackets this year, has never had a Black head coach. Additionally, the board of US soccer is all white. On a basic diversity level, US Soccer is failing. If the USMNT is to have success, it will be due to their Black players. The same players they do not offer enough support for.
It is not uncommon for countries to rely on often persecuted minorities in their national teams. France’s world cup team consisted of many Black players, some of which have heritage from countries France colonized. Germany is another example with their famed “Multi-kulti Elf.” These national teams make good money from the performances of their minority stars while insufficiently fighting the white supremacist and ethno-fascist movements as well as cases of police discrimination and violence within their countries.
The juxtaposition of Mckennie and Steffen’s respective successes, and the coup attempt at the Capitol building should serve as evidence that taking pride in the United States (even its soccer team), without standing up against right-wing violence and systemic racism, is a contradiction of great proportions. Black players make up the backbone of the USMNT today, just like Black people have always been the backbone of the best segments of America. Fandom of and reliance on Black players without extending support for activism to protect their lives, is entirely superfluous and colonial in nature. Black players are more than vehicles to national team success; their lives and their futures deserve to be protected.
Soccer is inherently political, and if no day before did, this one proves it. US Soccer, US Soccer fans: Do better.
Chelsea suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City today, falling to 8th in the table. Despite splashing hundreds of millions on the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, and Edouard Mendy, and already having stars like Christian Pulisic and Ngolo Kante, Chelsea has failed to impress so far this season. In the game against City, Chelsea was flat-footed and lethargic. Offensively, Chelsea is a one-trick pony. How many times can you watch Pulisic cut inside, lay the ball off to an overlapping run from Chilwell, and watch the fullback put a tame ball into the 6-yard box? Defensively, Frank Lampard has failed to give Chelsea any sort of identity, which allowed Manchester City to cruise past London’s Blues. After the match, Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey of The Athletic reported that the Chelsea Hierarchy are looking at replacement options should they sack Lampard. Unfortunately for Chelsea, but fortunately for Lampard, former Tottenham Manager and top free agent Mauricio Pochettino has just joined PSG. Below are a few options, some less likely than others, who could be a good fits for Chelsea.
The Obvious Option: Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was recently fired by PSG and subsequently replaced by Mauricio Pochettino after his relationship with PSG’s board crumbled according to Le10 Sport in France. The German coach led PSG to the Champion’s League final last year, falling short to Bayern Munich due to the lone goal of the match from Bayern winger Kingsley Coman. Tuchel managed 2.35 points per match for PSG and 2.21 during his time at Dortmund, both well above Lampard’s measly 1.67 points per match during his Chelsea tenure. Tuchel normally prefers a 4-3-3 formation but has played the 3-5-2, and 4-2-2-2 as well. The former PSG manager emphasizes formational fluidity, counter-pressing, and overloading the attacking areas using fullbacks. Chelsea has the forwards to form a defensive identity around counter-pressing and winning the ball back quickly after losing it. Pulisic and Werner played in similar systems under Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann respectively. Tuchel also knows how to get the best out of Thiago Silva, who was a brick wall during PSG’s Champion’s League run last year. Definitely an upgrade from Lampard tactically, one large qualm about Tuchel will be his ability to withstand the ruthless English media after garnering a reputation as a shy/thinker type during his time at Dortmund.
OK Option: Lucien Favre
Lucien Favre was sacked earlier this season after a lethargic start to the season with Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss manager earned 2.01 points per game during his time at Dortmund, but it’s the last formation he employed at Dortmund that should pique the interest of Chelsea’s board. Chelsea has a plethora of attacking options, so many that it’s hard to fit them all in one team. That’s why Lucien Favre’s 3-4-2-1 makes a lot of sense for Chelsea. The formation uses 3 central defenders, two box to box midfielders and two wingbacks across the 4, and two forwards just behind the traditional striker. Favre was known to use center attacking midfielder Julian Brandt as a box to box midfielder, and winger Thorgan Hazard as a wingback, which could bode well for getting more attacking players on the pitch for Chelsea. A 3-4-2-1 formation for Chelsea could give the team more of an identity than Lampard’s preferred 4-2-3-1. Favre was charged with not inspiring the players at Dortmund but the team’s results also stemmed from their large reliance on teenagers, who tend to have periodical dips in form. Unlike Tuchel, Favre hasn’t won a league title in one of Europe’s top leagues, but that didn’t stop Chelsea’s higher-ups from signing Lampard.
Frank Lampard Part 2: John Terry
Another Chelsea Legend at the beginning of his coaching career, retired defender John Terry is currently an assistant at Aston Villa. Villa is currently 7th in the table, even with Chelsea on points but with two games in hand. Even more inexperienced than Lampard was when he took the Chelsea job, this pick doesn’t make a ton of sense. There are two trends in European football, giving the reigns to an inexperienced former player, and hiring a coach from the German school of thought, where counter-pressing is in vogue. Given that Chelsea has already tried the former, a move for Favre or Tuchel could be on the cards.
Who do you think should be the next manager at Chelsea? Or should Lampard be given more time? Tweet us @newsredcard
For the very first post on this site, I wanted to introduce some of my favorite teams to watch. The serious fans might get a chuckle from the premise of this article–choosing a team for its color–but I hope it helps newcomers or casual fans find a team they like in an accessible way! For each color there will be three categories: 1) the bandwagon (serial champions, already hugely successful), 2) the standard option (still a big club, little less successful than the bandwagons), and 3) the underdogs (fewer resources, might lose a bit, but that only makes them more interesting!). The more unusual colors might have fewer options because there aren’t as many teams with kits in that hue. Choose wisely…
Red
The Bandwagon Option: Bayern Munich
Where to watch: ESPN+
Bayern Munich are the definition of serial winners. The club from Bavaria have won the last 8 Bundesliga titles and the 2020 edition of the UEFA Champions League (a continental competition between Europe’s top teams). Bayern Munich are essentially the New England Patriots of German soccer. Needless to say, unless you’re from the southern province of Germany, supporting Bayern will make you seem like a bit of an asshole. However, if you like winning and you want to see your favorite team dominate their opposition for fun, this team could be perfect for you. Munich is the home of Oktoberfest and Bayern Munich players traditionally don Lederhosen every year in support of the festival. If the color red and the countless titles aren’t enough for you, maybe the beer and pretzels will be?
The Standard Option: AC Milan
Where to watch: ESPN+
The 37 year old forward and legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the current main attraction to this club with a rich history and little recent success. When Zlatan arrived at the club from the LA Galaxy, the Italian sleeping giants woke up like they’d been doused with ice water. The team used to be the home of legends like Kaka and Ronaldinho, but a crop of young talent including Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnaruma (21), pacy fullback Theo Hernandez (23), and the reliable midfielder Franck Kessie (24) have made the club one of Italy’s best this season. They currently sit in first in Serie A, one point ahead of city rivals (and typical blue nemesis of the red team) Inter Milan. This team has a bright future with an average age of only 25, and it would be smart to start supporting now before AC Milan joins the bandwagon ranks.
The Underdog: FC Union Berlin
Where to watch: ESPN+
Union Berlin is the niche option that will make you 10x cooler than the typical fan of German soccer. This club is known for having very passionate fans and an old fashioned stadium. In only their second season in the Bundesliga, Union are challenging for European football. The side is strong defensively, and the shrewd acquisition of German Forward Max Kruse gives them a much-needed creative spark. Progressive fans will like that the club is known for being a working-class favorite. The team also has limited police presence at games due to agreements between fans and the club. FC Union have had very little success in terms of trophies, yet they are entertaining to watch, often punching well above their weight. Their last major trophy came back in 1968 when they won the East German Cup and competed in the DDR Oberliga, as they are located in what was formerly East Berlin. Union Berlin also have a young American prodigy, 16 year-old Malick Sanogo, in their Academy. Most importantly, Union’s jerseys are the brightest red on this list!
Blue
Bandwagon Option: Chelsea
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
Chelsea are big spenders, financed by Russian Oil Tycoon, Roman Abramovich. The club spent around 300 million on transfers during the last summer window, bringing in stars like Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, and Kai Havertz. The club is underperforming this season, but their recent successes and insane spending qualified them for a bandwagon spot. The best American player at the moment, Christian Pulisic, wears the no. 10 shirt for Chelsea (a number reserved for one of a clubs best playmakers). My mom chose to become a Chelsea fan after falling in love with their blue home jerseys, inspiring this article. So the London club is not a bad choice at all.
Standard Option: Inter Milan
Where to watch: ESPN+
Managed by the legendary Antonio Conte, the rivals to aforementioned AC Milan are great to watch. Prolific forwards Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez bring the firepower to the traditional Italian powerhouse, while wing-back Achraf Hakimi provides pace and flair from the right side of the field. The team sport black and blue stripes opposite to the black and red of their rivals. The 18 time Italian champions seem to always contend for the Serie A title, but have lost out in recent years to Italy’s most hated club, Juventus. (Below are Milan Skriniar and Romelu Lukaku of Inter on the Left, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan on the right)
Underdog Option: Hertha Berlin
Where to watch: ESPN+
Another red-blue city rivalry for this guide, Hertha Berlin are more established than Union Berlin but still won’t win too many games. Despite recent investment aiming to make Hertha a “big city club,” the team from West Berlin sit in 14th place, only 3 points above the relegation zone. However, the team plays in the breathtaking Olympiastadion and has some real entertainers in strikers Matheus Cunha and Dodi Lukebakio. Both players are personal favorites of mine, and can make special moments out of even the bleakest opportunities. If you like the idea of supporting a Berlin-based team but want a more cosmopolitan choice with a little more flair, Hertha BSC are a solid pick.
Light Blue
Bandwagon Option: Manchester City
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
The Cityzens are big spenders and constantly contenders in England’s renowned Premier League. Coach Pep Guardiola has implemented a possession and passing oriented style that has led Manchester City to become one of the best teams in Europe. If you want firepower, this is the team for you. Big names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Aguero make up only a fraction of City’s potent attack. Meanwhile, the signing of defender Ruben Dias has made City look more solid defensively over the last few months. The baby blue jerseys are usually top notch and City are not a popular choice for US fans, which might attract you to this impressive club.
Standard Option: Lazio
Where to watch: ESPN+
The club from Rome look a good mid-table side this season. And the light blue is definitely appealing. Ciro Immobile scored more than any forward in Europe last year. The Italian striker has kept up his red hot form, scoring 9 times in 12 appearances this season. Definitely a team to watch, albeit mostly for Immobile.
Yellow
Your Only Option: Borussia Dortmund
Where to watch: ESPN+
Your favorite color is yellow. So you are required by law to pick Borussia Dortmund. The German side have a group of fans that call themselves “the Yellow Wall” (pictured below) and their jerseys are bright yellow. Soccer-wise, the club has a host of hype due to young talents including Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and American Gio Reyna. The team are like Bayern Munich’s little brother, finishing runner up to the Bavarians in their last two seasons. Don’t be mistaken, despite recently firing their manager and installing interim coach Edin Terzic, Dortmund are title contenders. The club plays a fun to watch system that emphasizes pressing, counter-pressing, and scoring plenty of goals. Developing young players is another key part of Dormund’s philosophy, and many of the best players in world football (including American Christian Pulisic) spent time in Dortmund’s academy. You can’t go wrong with the “black and yellow”.
Underdog Option: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
OK fine. You wanted another option so here you go. Wolves are a decent side with a good manager and countless Portuguese Players. They also have American youngster Owen Otasowie. Decent side to watch but have been a bit flat since star striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull this season, putting his playing career in jeopardy. If your favorite color is yellow, I’m surprised you’re even considering Wolves.
Green
Standard Option: Sassuolo
Where to watch: ESPN+
A solid Italian side, Sassuolo currently sits in 4th place in Serie A. Nicknamed the Neroverdi, which translates to Black and Green, this side is great for the stripes lovers reading this guide.
Standard Option Part Two: Wolfsburg
Where to watch: ESPN+
The Volkswagen owned club is solid in every aspect and is currently sitting in 4th in the Bundesliga. John Brooks is the American defender that draws me to this team, but they offer a strong midfield and attacking threat as well. Will certainly win more than they lose, but aren’t anything too special. If you want your team to keep clean sheets Wolfsburg are a good choice.
Underdog Option: Werder Bremen
Where to watch: ESPN+
This team offers little going forward; in fact, Werder Bremen are likely candidates to be sucked into a relegation battle this season. Somehow, though, the green and white kits are one of my favorites in the Bundesliga. American fans will love you if you’re a Bremen fan because Everyone wants to know how USMNT striker Josh Sargent is doing without actually having to watch Werder Bremen play (seriously, it can be hard to stomach). Werder Bremen have won the Bundesliga on four occasions though, so maybe sticking it out while they are playing terribly will make future success even sweeter?
Purple
Underdog Option: Fiorentina
Where to watch: ESPN FC
Holding it down for the color purple is Italian side Fiorentina. This team is only worth watching for Frank Ribery, a legend for Bayern Munich who has settled in Serie A for the tail end of his career. They have the ability to punch above their weight which is best demonstrated by their 3-0 win against Juventus. Really the only prominent purple side, Fiorentina makes this list almost by default. Kit pictured alongside Sassuolo.
Honorable Mentions
Some sides I love to watch but couldn’t categorize in the above color categories include Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Spurs, Italian giants Juventus, South London side Crystal Palace, and the notorious RB Leipzig. Hope this list inspired you to catch a game and tune back into Red Card News for more articles! Comment which team you choose 🙂
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