What will the two newest MLS managerial recruits bring to the MLS?

With the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez already making MLS their home, it seems only natural that the same profile of manager may soon swap Europe for the States. With an increased amount of eyes on the product, managers such as Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew are gaining attention in Europe, for his play style and methodical tactical approach.

High profile former players are set to arrive Stateside as new managers, with both Javier Mascherano and Olof Mellberg, both former internationals with over 100 caps respectively, set to join MLS sides for the 2025 season. The question now arises; has MLS become the new home for promising young coaches?

Javier Mascherano - Inter Miami

It's no secret that Inter Miami have heavy Barcelona influences. Their marquee player, Lionel Messi, is arguably Barca's greatest ever player. Luis Suarez spearheaded one of the greatest attack's in the Catalan side's history, whilst Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were big parts of some of the greatest sides Barcelona have ever produced; all four of them now wear the pink of Inter Miami.

🤯🇦🇷🇺🇸 JAVIER MASCHERANO deja la SUB 20 de Argentina y es el NUEVO DT DEL INTER MIAMI DE MESSI.

Vía @CLMerlo. pic.twitter.com/b2muZYbw98

— Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_) November 22, 2024

Rumours have been circling recently that Xavi may be headed to Florida, and whilst that would represent a coup, due to the strong Barcelona links, it seemed somewhat plausible. But it's actually another former Barcelona player, Javier Mascherano, who is set to be appointed manager. But what will the former Argentina captain bring to MLS?

Mascherano, who has the 2nd most caps for Argentina with 149, has been managing Argentina's U20 and U23 sides simultaneously, where he led his nation to the Quarter Finals of the Olympics. His side employed a heavy possession based style of play, averaging the highest average possession at the Olympics with 60.9%. This is of course a style Mascherano became accustomed to during his time in Catalonia, and with the likes of Busquets and Messi at his disposal, playing that style shouldn't prove problematic for the new Head Coach.

His side was also well organised defensively, conceding just once to eventual silver medallists France, who scored 13 goals across their other 5 games, highlighting how proficient the European side were in the final third. That was the main criticism of Inter Miami during their playoff defeat to Atlanta United; they were far too open defensively. They will look to their new Head Coach to tighten things up at the back.

Inter Miami have been linked with a move for Neymar, to reunite the famous 'MSN' front three, however, Mascherano made great use of Thiago Almada at the Olympics, a young attacking midfielder who already has extensive MLS experience. The 23 year old is currently plying his trade for Botafogo in Brazil, so a move back to MLS may prove tempting, especially to play alongside his compatriot Lionel Messi. Almada may also prove to be a better use of the Designated Player spot, considering the current age make up of Miami's squad. Mascherano will have some young talent to mould however, none more promising than American midfielder Ben Cremaschi; Mascherano won't be a bad player to learn from for the teenager.

Olof Mellberg - St Louis City

A manager with arguably more experience is former Swedish international Olof Mellberg. Mellberg will be known to English readers for his time at Aston Villa, where he made over 200 Premier League appearances, but the 47 year old also played for the likes of Juventus and Villareal. Mellberg has been managing since 2015, Mellberg represents a slightly different approach of appointment, with his managerial experience solely coming in the club game, most notably in his native Sweden.

Sources confirm @JeffreyCarlisle's scoop: St. Louis City has finalized a deal to name Olof Mellberg their next manager.

Mellberg is currently manager of Brommapojkarna in his native Sweden.

John Hackworth was a finalist for the job. https://t.co/geFcNLmhWx pic.twitter.com/WFovDjnBel

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) November 23, 2024

A serial winner, Mellberg had instant success as a manager, as he took over Third Division side Brommapoikarna, and won back to back promotions to the top flight, Allsvenskan, with a side spearheaded by Viktor Gyokores. He decided to leave Brommapoikarna, but ultimately returned 6 years later, after stints managing in Denmark and fellow Allsvenskan side Helsingborgs.

His current stint at Brommapoikarna has been somewhat understated in comparison to his first stint at the club, but in the context of the division they find themselves in, it is understandable; they are now competing in the top flight. His time as manager has certainly impressed those within Sweden however, with Mellberg considered as one of the top contenders for the Swedish National Team job, before Jon Dahl Tomasson filled the post.

The appointment could be considered a surprise on the face of it however, especially as he has no previous ties to the club, and the closest he has come to MLS is a failed move to Toronto in 2013. His Brommapojkarna side have been solid, if unspectacular, in Allsvenskan this season, recording a 10th place finish this term, an improvement of 4 places on last season.

Despite their final position making for uninspiring reading, their attack was certainly impressive. They scored the 6th most goals in the league, and when you consider he also played an instrumental part in yokores' development, then St Louis fans may hope their attacking prospects will improve this season.

They will certainly need to do so if they are to make the Playoffs next season; only 3 sides scored fewer goals in the Western Conference last season, so improvement is needed. St Louis fans will be hoping Mellberg will be the man to deliver it.