Real Salt Lake Needs Love, Mastroeni Promotes Expression

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A soccer manager’s job entails a lot. The daily operations of a soccer club often rely heavily on the actions of the manager, moreover, a manager must work alongside his players to develop and create a culture that is unparalleled, all the while dealing with the egotistical nature of professional athletes.

Real Salt Lake’s Constant Commotion

Real Salt Lake is an organization that has endured its fair share of turmoil over the years. Whether an owner is making racist remarks on the radio, or a manager is using homophobic slurs to referees after a game, the club has seen it all as of late.

Recently, former manager Freddy Juarez handed over his resignation papers midway through a season whilst the club is currently above the playoff line to pursue an opportunity as an assistant manager at a rival club.

The news rocked the soccer world of North America, and understandably so.

Now, former RSL villain Pablo Mastroeni has been handed the keys to the kingdom on an interim basis. His job is to assist the club to a playoff birth and contend for an MLS Cup.

A task very few individuals are qualified for given the current climate of the club.

Real Salt Lake is without an owner, they only hold one designated player on its roster and their manager just quit on them.

How on earth is Mastroeni expected to create a winning environment?

The Monumental Task At Hand

Fortunately, if anybody has the ability to calm the waters, Mastroeni may be that guy.

Over the course of his playing and managerial career, Mastroeni has dealt with a lot. He is also wise and intelligent, but most importantly, he understands people.

As of late I have found myself obsessing over the leadership qualities of managers.

To run a successful football club you must possess special leadership traits outside of the tactical elements.

Newly appointed #RSL interim Pablo Mastroeni shared his thoughts 👇 pic.twitter.com/bcD2abm6Je

— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) August 30, 2021

“Falling back on my own experiences allows me to understand that everybody had their own journey,” Mastroeni said when asked about his leadership qualities. “To be able to relate to each individual and to hopefully maximize the potential by putting an arm around them and looking at their progress from a positive perspective as opposed to what they don’t have…emphasizing with their plight allows them to feel more comfortable, allows them to express themselves more openly,” Mastroeni added.

The Art Of Expression

When you dissect the role of any manager, in any league, in any corner of the globe, the premise of good leadership in a sporting environment comes down to expression.

A player must feel comfortable and confident to shine at his or her highest capacity while also understanding that an expectation is required and must be fulfilled for premium job security to be set.

A manager must understand every personal trait and characteristic of his or her playing group regardless of that player’s role. The ability to connect, motivate, and develop players is a trademark that very few individuals on planet earth possess.

Mastroeni is a player’s coach. He believes in the power of positivity and construction.

The future of Mastroeni at Real Salt Lake may not be lasting and fruitful, rather, it may only exist for another 13 regular-season games. However, the impact that he will likely have on the playing group will last a lifetime.

Real Salt Lake is burning and has been for some time. The club needs love.

Rest assured, Mastroeni will provide that.