The Time Has Come For Javier Morales To Return To Real Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is looking to add a handful of assistant coaches ahead of the 2021 season and only one man is the perfect fit for the job, his name is Javier Morales, otherwise known as The Maestro around here.

Morales is a living legend that brought thousands of Real Salt Lake fans joy over the nine years that he played in Utah. His playful manner and creative instinct had the RSL faithful falling head over heels for their playmaking number 10. He never shied away from the cameras and was always found with a smile on his face.

The club, fanbase, and everybody involved within the league loved him. It was almost impossible not to.

FC Dallas has made a splash in the #MLS offseason, signing former RSL playmaker Javier Morales: https://t.co/lDt4Na5Dwy pic.twitter.com/nu7jGXQM6H

— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) December 28, 2016

His departure was upsetting, it was an ugly dismissal for one of the greatest players in club history. Morales, and his camp, could not get on the same page as management and ownership at RSL. He announced his departure outside of club boundaries and put together his own press conference at a local hotel in Salt Lake City. The club never conducted a press release confirming his departure.

Coaching Career

However, since his retirement from professional soccer, Morales has begun his second career as a coach.

His coaching career began as the manager of FC Dallas’ Under 13 Academy team where he took the team to international success winning the Copa Rayados Internacional tournament in Mexico.

On February 19th, 2019 he was announced as an Academy coach at Inter Miami CF. He has been there ever since.

Vamos 💪🏽💪🏽⚽️ https://t.co/lIy3cljb3j

— Javier Morales (@javi_mo11) August 23, 2020

Ironically, RSL celebrated its ten year anniversary of their lone MLS Cup-winning team from 2009, and by doing so they brought as many former players from that team back to Rio Tinto Stadium to be congratulated by the RSL faithful in front of a packed stadium prior to a midweek fixture against the LA Galaxy on September 25th, 2019.

Furthermore, during halftime Morales’ name was placed in the rafters, alongside former manager Jason Kreis’ name. His legacy and legend will forever remain at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Prior to the celebration, KSL Sports was able to speak with Morales–

“One day I would love to return to this club and play a role as coach,” Morales said when asked if he would ever consider a return to Utah as a coach.

RSL General Manager Elliot Fall is currently searching the globe for two assistant coaches ahead of the 2021 season.

It would make sense that one of those positions be given to Morales. A return to Rio Tinto Stadium is an easy way for Fall to reenergize a fanbase that has endured so much heartache throughout 2020.