2019 and Matias Almeyda: The Quakes’ biggest blessings and hopes

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — It wasn’t long ago that the San Jose Earthquakes were desperately clawing for league relevancy and wishing to play half-functional soccer.

An overpowering culture of individualism, poor mental strength, and lack of cohesion — especially in the final stretch of several games –, was starting to damage the culture that had been built on 44 years of sacrifice, commitment and devotion.

On Wednesday, however, the sun shined differently over Avaya Stadium. It was the beginning of a renaissance: the Matias Almeyda-era, a once never-imagined scenario was now the biggest reality, blessing, and hope at Earthquakes Way.

“Since the news came out that Matias was going to be the head coach of San Jose, I had a great illusion (about this season), knowing how he managed in Mexico with Chivas,” said experienced midfielder Anibal Godoy. “I knew he was — and is — going to give this team, this organization a radical change.”

Dubbed ‘El Pastor’ (‘The Shepherd’) in Guadalajara for his savior-like effects, Almeyda resuscitated one of Mexico’s giants and will now have to do the same with one of MLS’ originals.

It won’t start with altering the organization’s recent culture, though. Instead ‘El Pelado’ will wager to “adapt” it and establish an identity, a clear style of play on the field. On a cognitive level, Almeyda wants a group of individuals that will “respect the history of the team.”

Luckily, Almeyda and Co. don’t have to start from ground zero. Despite the several new faces that now roam the corridors of Avaya, San Jose is in the midst of a key transition period with two of the franchises’ most storied players on their roster — Chris Wondolowski and Shea Salinas. They know the style of the league. They know what it takes to be successful. They know the turbulent history of the Black-and-Blue. Most importantly, they now know what it’s like to have Almeyda on their side.

“To a man, everyone is excited for the new culture, the new identity, the new mentality that all of us have, and just excited for the season,” said captain Chris Wondolowski. “I think that (the adaptation of culture) is something that we’re trying to establish right now and get a hold of and lay down the groundworks as we speak.”

“Slowly but surely, (Almeyda) has been laying out the message and the foundation,” Wondolowski added. “Honestly, I think to a man, everybody’s just been hanging on every word. He’s just captivating and he just owns the room.”

From the most basic elements of the academy to the pinnacle of the organization, Almeyda will want his input heard. His direct, all-around involvement at previous clubs guided him to the top, earning promotions and collecting silverware along the way.

Almeyda is a micromanagement expert who is addicted to winning. Perhaps, his hunger for victories has been the element of success all along. One thing is for sure: That aspect of him will never change, particularly not in 2019.

“I am a species that is obsessed with wanting to win games,” explained Almeyda when asked what would make him feel most accomplished in 2019. “The truth is that it’s a sentiment that I have. Drawing and losing doesn’t give me the same feeling. I work to win.

“We work to win. I accept when there is a loss in which the rival is superior. I will accept and try to be objective as possible when it comes to analyzing the development of games, but I’m always really interested in winning. Winning brings me a lot of happiness.

“I don’t know how to explain it, really. It’s something that is inside of me, so I need to win,” he added. We need to win. Through winning, my life is much happier, honestly. My daughters see more more lovely — my wife as well — because I laugh. I hope to win, that way you guys will see me with a good face.”

It’s expected that Almeyda-Quakes journey will not always have picture-perfect moments. For instance, as much as the Argentine is now perceived as a Chivas legend, his last year at Verde Valle, for one reason or another, proved to be challenging.

But that is the Almeyda way — living and playing through adversity. Together. It’s his specialty. It’s the form in which he learned the values of life.

“It’s my lifestyle (facing and taking on challenges),” said the recently-named Concacaf Coach of the Year. “Today, I mentioned it to the players that in the next 10 days, it’s going to be 30 years since I left my parents home chasing a dream. I didn’t have many materials, but I did have a clear idea of where I wanted to get in life. Nothing has ever been easy for me. It’s the struggle, work and consistency that allows you to improve.

“A difficult moment has called me, but hopefully, between us all, we can lift the club. I don’t consider that it’s going to be a single person who will do the work. I really believe in teamwork.

“Up here, there are 80 people working for this team, for the players, for this club,” he added. “There is also the equipment managers, the gardeners, us (the coaching staff), the press. Between all of us, if we each put in our grain of salt, surely San Jose will improve.”