Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been approached by United States Soccer Federation for the vacant sporting director position, according to sources familiar with the situation. athletic on thursday. According to those sources, Tanner declined to pursue his position. Here’s what you should know:
- Tanner became the second contender known to be a target in Major League Soccer, after Sporting Kansas City head coach and sports director Peter Bermes.
- Vermes has signed a multi-year deal that will remain in Kansas City, MLS officials announced earlier this week.
- Tanner and Vermes were contacted by Sportsology. This company is a recruitment and analytics firm contracted by the United States Soccer Federation to find its next sports director.
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According to one source, Tanner was strongly recommended by Ernie Stewart, the federation’s former sporting director and Tanner’s predecessor at Union. US Soccer declined to comment on the ongoing search for a sports director.
Tanner joined the Union in 2018 after 24 years with three German and Austrian clubs: TSV 1860 Munich, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Red Bull Salzburg. Under Tanner’s leadership, Union emerged as his one of MLS’ elite clubs, winning the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern his conference championship.
Last year’s Union side was the best team in league history, setting records in offense and defence, losing the MLS Cup by a narrow margin to LAFC. Tanner was named the league’s 2022 Sports Executive of the Year.
Sam Stejskal contributed reporting to this article.
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