Major League Soccer club St. Louis City have admitted their season objectives are in danger following the sacking of South African coach Bradley Carnell, who has since spoken out on the decision too.
On Monday, St. Louis parted ways with Carnell, who became the club's first manager in the MLS in January 2022.
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The 2023 MLS season was the club's inaugural campaign in the United States top flight, and they would go on to become the first expansion team to become Western Conference Regular-Season champions in their debut season.
Despite that historic feat, Carnell was dismissed just 20 games into his second term in the MLS, a decision that left many surprised.
St. Louis sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel has since explained why it was important for the decision to be taken, with the side now third from bottom of the MLS Western Conference table with 19 points in 20 matches.
"We had a goal to make the play-offs at the end of the season," Pfannenstiel said, according to St. Louis Magazine.
"Right now, it looks like that goal is in danger.
"Unfortunately, it's part of professional sports – professional soccer – that you have to make this decision, and we felt this was the right time to make the decision."
Carnell has since spoken out since the decision was announced, telling KDSK News podcast that he is still processing the decision.
"Yeah, obviously there's a lot of reflection happening. There's a lot going on behind the scenes and it's pretty chaotic at the moment, and I am trying to find resolve and solace," the former Kaizer Chiefs star said.
"A lot of people are connecting, a lot of people are reaching out, so I would say this is an emotional roller-coaster of what the last two and a half years have been.
"It's all come to a point where you're experiencing it all over again in the space of 24 hours."
"... It's a tough moment because I poured my heart and soul into this thing.
"I feel like we got this place in a really good shape and I know it's part of the business, the show must go on. And yeah, I am a fan for life."
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