Morales taking simple approach to pro coaching debut
Omar Morales finally has his feet under him as a coach at the professional level. That’s good because he is about to take a large leap.
In his first game as interim coach, Morales will lead the Dash against the Orlando Pride at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday night.
Morales is not far removed from coaching at the NCAA Division II level, where, at Eastern New Mexico University, his teams played at small stadiums with a smattering of fans.
The Dash, on the other hand, play in an immaculate stadium that will host its biggest crowd of the young season Saturday thanks to big names like Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian, Marta and Ali Krieger.
“When you put it that way, it is a big change, but my approach is to simplify it, even for me,” Morales said. “I will make it as simple as possible and not overthink things. Don’t think about how big the stadium is; think about our 11 players and their 11 players and try to get the ball in the back of the goal.”
Morales will have the luxury of writing Lloyd’s name into his starting XI now that she has returned from her three-month stint with English club Manchester City.
They met for the first time this week and had good first impressions of each other. Morales spoke about how Lloyd can be a leader. Lloyd said Morales has a good approach that could make a difference in the long run.
Part of that, she added, is he is not trying to complicate things.
“He knows we’re at the
bottom of the table,” Lloyd said. “You just have to make players believe again. You have to make players have that desire and will to want to try things and express themselves. That’s what I like so far about him.
“Sometimes, it’s just best to keep it simple. Sometimes, less is more. … I like his style so far, and I think it’s going to be good to build off that.”
Morales did not have enough time to put his stamp on the team before the June 3 game at Washington, but he has had two full weeks to prepare for Saturday. Morales said his stamp will bring a cohesive group that will fight for each other.
He also said there will be lineup changes. Rachel Daly returning to her usual position at forward is one likely move. Though Morales did not commit to starting Lloyd, It makes sense that she will. She is fit and rested.
No matter who is on the pitch, Morales said he is trying to keep it simple.
“For me, it is about putting my head down and working,” he said. “It is going to be just like coaching any other game. I know some time you guys don’t believe me, but that’s the approach I’m taking.
“That is the way I have operated my entire life. It is a big game for us. We have a lot of superstars on the field, but for me it is coaching soccer.”