Scott “Matchmaker” Michaels’ Post

Jimmy Anderson is one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. His exceptional skill, longevity, and dedication to the sport have earned him a place among the all-time greats. Jimmy was a pleasure to work with, and I had the opportunity to meet him on numerous occasions as he served as an ambassador for Hairbond®

It's the dedicated segment of the fanbase that forced USSF (a corrupt MLS puppet) to take action. These fans drive all progress, pushing for transparency, accountability, and better performance. Many “journos” and MLS-platformed media talking heads undermine progress and maintain the status quo, often supporting decisions that benefit a select few at the expense of the broader soccer community. Critics influenced by an establishment resistant to change may downplay the attractiveness of the USMNT role. However, the job is all upside, offering a rare blend of professional fulfillment and strategic advantage. For any top manager, taking the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) coaching position is an opportunity any top manager should jump at. Here’s why: 1. Extremely Low Pressure Compared to the intense scrutiny and high stakes in top European leagues, the USMNT job offers a significantly lower-pressure environment. Soccer in the U.S. is still growing, and expectations are not as crushingly high, allowing for more creative freedom. 2. World Cup Opportunity Managing the USMNT is a chance to participate in the world's most prestigious tournament: the FIFA World Cup. This is a career highlight, providing a platform to showcase skills on the biggest stage. 3. Home World Cup Advantage The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to lead a team on home soil. This can galvanize the nation and potentially achieve historic success. 4. Peaceful Preparation Period With no major international tournaments for the next two years, the new manager will have the luxury of time to build a team and implement their vision without immediate competitive pressures. 5. Financial Incentives Despite misconceptions, the financial compensation for the USMNT manager is highly competitive. The role offers substantial rewards and significant value in terms of career advancement and exposure. USMNT coaching position is an obvious, no-brainer decision. #Soccer #Leadership #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #CoachingOpportunities https://lnkd.in/eYTia2-i

Football fans have always cherished maverick players for their entertainment value and defiance of authority. These players, often gritty and cult-like figures such as John Terry, Julian Dicks, and Vinnie Jones, transcend their skill and become heroes in football culture. Mavericks command attention not just for their talent but also as symbols of anti-establishment, resonating with the masses. Mavericks provide more than just entertainment; they inject personality and unpredictability into the game. Their audacious style and willingness to challenge norms make them compelling to watch. Figures like Zlatan Ibrahimović captivate audiences with their controversial and entertaining personas, offering a refreshing contrast to the predictability of modern football. However, mavericks aren't always popular with managers and club officials. The flamboyant "rock and roll" footballer is often seen as a liability, leading to fan frustration when their favorite, charismatic player isn't picked for international duty. Jack Grealish of Manchester City is often cited as a modern maverick, but today's game leaves little room for nonconformists. This shift has made players less intriguing, despite easing management headaches. Historically, managers like Sir Alf Ramsey sidelined players with a flair for the unexpected, preferring dependable team players. This cautious approach, driven by limited interaction and high stakes in international matches, excluded talents like Peter Osgood and Rodney Marsh from significant roles, despite their club-level successes. Mavericks like George Best, who dazzled yet struggled with consistency and off-field distractions, illustrate why managers hesitated to rely on them. Best's career, marked by early triumphs and later instability, underscores the challenges of harnessing such talent. Today, strict systems and health concerns prevent players from living the wild lifestyles of George Best or Rodney Marsh, but the allure of unpredictability persists. The inconsistent brilliance of mavericks explains their omission from national teams and their rare appearances in annual award lists dominated by reliable professionals. Despite their limited medals and international caps, mavericks left an indelible mark on football. Their rarity and unpredictability made their moments of brilliance captivating. Football fans are increasingly missing the magic of mavericks as the game has become more possession-based and less accommodating of nonconformists. The decline of mavericks is a sad loss for football, as these players bring a unique charm and excitement that is irreplaceable. Mavericks and showmen, with their unpredictability and flair, are not appreciated in the modern game, leaving fans longing for the days when football was as much about personality and defiance as it was about tactics and strategy.

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of professional soccer? My podcast, "Matchmaker Chronicles," spills the secrets, sharing the business strategies I used to build a league from the ground up.

He’s absolutely right. We’re experiencing the worst era of football in decades. Guardiola's positional play is the dullest iteration of football I've seen in my lifetime. It drills creativity out of players in favor of rigid systems and patterns. Gone are the flair players, the long shots, and the tricky dribblers beating three men. It's all about pass, pass, pass, recycle, pass, pass, work into the box, and repeat ad nauseam. Moreover, there’s too much football. It’s no longer a weekly event to look forward to; it's crammed down our throats every few days. Pointless cups and competitions increase the number of games and revenue, but also the number of injuries as players' bodies slowly collapse under the strain. The stattification of football is killing meaningful debate. Someone says a player is good, and another retorts with their progressive carries per 90 in the 42nd percentile. Who cares? What happened to appreciating players for their unique style and vision of the game? Punditry, too, is a mess. Forget fan channels and Twitter accounts. Just watch the game, rant about it, and enjoy it. Don't pretend to be insightful because you made a heat map at halftime. Stop giving attention to parasite journalists, who scream at players for views and then preach about mental health as if they’re ambassadors for wellbeing. And finally, VAR ruins almost every game. So yeah, it’s dreadful

Kyle Walker, even at 34 years old, delivered an outstanding performance in England's 2-1 victory over Holland in the semi-final of the European Championship. Defensive Masterclass: Throughout the game, Walker showcased his defensive acumen, making crucial interceptions and tackles. His reading of the game and anticipation thwarted numerous Dutch advances. Offensive Contributions: Walker’s speed and overlapping runs provided England with width and an additional attacking option. His ability to transition quickly from defense to attack helped maintain pressure on the Dutch defense. Leadership and Composure: In a high-pressure semi-final, Walker's experience and calm demeanor were evident. He led by example, organizing the defense and inspiring confidence in his teammates. Kyle Walker’s remarkable performance against Holland not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also demonstrated why he is a key component of England’s bid for European Championship glory. His warrior spirit and exceptional skills, even at the age of 34, were on full display, reinforcing his status as one of the most underrated yet invaluable players in football history.

At the Copa America semifinal at MetLife Stadium, AFA president Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia’s use of a personal sweat-wiper exemplifies the glaring disconnect between football's senior administrators and the sport’s grassroots. While fans and players endure harsh conditions, Tapia's pampering underscores the elitism pervading football leadership. This image of privilege highlights how insulated and out-of-touch the football elite have become, prioritizing personal comfort over the sport's integrity. Such displays of extravagance are a stark contrast to football's working-class roots and universal appeal. Leaders like Tapia need to reconnect with the sport and its fans to bridge this growing divide and truly serve the game

Best of luck to Jordan Pickford tonight as he represents England. I had the pleasure of meeting Jordan in 2017 in Preston when he was on loan from Sunderland. We talked about his experiences in non-league football, and he even mentioned his appreciation for my professional hair product brand, Hairbond® I could see the determination in his eyes and knew he was destined for greatness. It's a proud moment to see him as England's number one goalkeeper, and I believe he will be instrumental in taking us to the final. Football is coming home, and Jordan will be key to making it happen

This amateur American soccer team, operating outside the exclusive franchises of the US Soccer Federation, draws an impressive 8,616 fans to their local stadium. We don't need franchised soccer; what we need are community-owned teams with captivating stories to keep the community engaged and wanting more..