After his departure from MLS side St. Louis City in July, former head coach Bradley Carnell revealed he’s received interest from a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, sparking speculation about his future in South African football.

Reflecting on his career and prospects, Carnell expressed that while he sees potential fits in the PSL, he’s weighing timing and compatibility with his coaching style.

Carnell’s Impact at St. Louis City

Carnell was St. Louis City’s first-ever head coach, making an impressive debut by leading the team to the top of the Western Conference in the 2023 season.

His early success quickly endeared him to the St. Louis community and set a high standard.

However, challenges soon followed, and after a nine-game winless streak that included a narrow 4-3 loss to Vancouver, Carnell parted ways with the club.

Injuries and missing players had hindered their momentum, leading to his eventual departure.

Exploring Options in the PSL: Could AmaZulu Be the Right Fit?

Since leaving St. Louis City, Carnell has been in talks with various clubs, including discussions that suggest his high-energy, pressing style could align well with AmaZulu FC’s aggressive and spirited play.

“I think there’s been some possibilities,” Carnell shared with FARPost.

“I’m not saying AmaZulu was concrete or not. But for me, it’s about finding the right timing and the right club.”

AmaZulu’s traditionally warrior-like mentality appeals to Carnell, who noted that the Durban-based club’s dynamic style could be a natural fit for his tactical approach.

“I have to look at the teams wisely,” he explained.

“AmaZulu would have stood out because of their aggressive playstyle, but maybe it’s just the wrong time right now. I’m not ruling it out for the future.”

Crafting His Coaching Philosophy and Style in the MLS

Carnell’s coaching style emphasizes a high-pressing, counterattacking approach, which served him well in the MLS.

Under his guidance, St. Louis City’s stats stood out, including top rankings in pressing, counter-attacking, and defensive metrics.

“In one-and-a-half years, my team scored 91 goals in 58 games, which was seventh highest in the MLS,” Carnell noted.

“We were first in pressing and aggression metrics despite having the lowest budget.”

These achievements reflect Carnell’s strategic vision and his ability to maximize his team’s strengths, making him a potentially attractive candidate for PSL clubs seeking intensity and efficiency.

Family Considerations and Next Steps

Beyond football, Carnell stressed the importance of family in his decision-making process.

“My family is key to whatever I decide next,” he shared.

With one daughter still in high school and another in college, he’s conscious of balancing his career with his family’s needs.

“I’m taking all things into consideration,” he added, indicating that the next step in his career will carefully reflect both professional and personal priorities.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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