Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: Ana Kieu

There is a new man in charge of the San Jose Earthquakes’ head coaching duties. That new man is Matias Almeyda, a Azul, Argentina native, who was welcomed as a member of the Black and Blue in San Jose, Calif. on Monday.

You can get to know the Quakes’ new head coach before the start of the 2019 MLS season. Here are five things that you should know about Almeyda.

1. Almeyda was one of the most shocking signings in the head coaching department for the Quakes, who shocked the domestic and foreign soccer worlds with the Monday signing.

2. Almeyda most recently served as the head coach of Chivas de Guadalajara from 2015-18. Almeyda led Chivas to five major trophies in three seasons, including the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League.

3. Prior to his Chivas’ tenure, Almeyda served as the head coach of two clubs in his native Argentina (River Plate and Banfield) and led both clubs to promotion from the second tier in his first season.

4. Almeyda was a successful player in Argentina and Europe. Almeyda made nearly 300 appearances for clubs around the world. The majority of Almeyda’s playing career was spent in Italy for Inter, Lazio and Parma. Almeyda also earned 35 caps for the Argentina National Team and represented his birth country at two FIFA World Cups in 1998 and 2002, respectively.

5. Almeyda was linked to a few high-profile jobs before the Quakes’ announcement, including several in MLS and Europe. Almeyda was also linked to the Mexico, Costa Rica and Argentina National Team openings.

Again, best of luck to Almeyda!