What Fran Alonso brings to the Houston Dash
(image via bbc.com)
The Houston Dash made it official today, naming Fran Alonso as the club’s new head coach. Alonso joins from Celtic where he had a lot of success. What will Alonso bring to Houston? What style will he play? To find out more about the new boss in Houston we spoke to Jessica Elliott from The Celtic Star.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): Fran Alonso has been very successful at Celtic, what is the reasoning for him now leaving the club?
Jessica Elliott (JE): He wants a new challenge and as all managers do, it's a dream come true to be given the chance to coach in one of the biggest leagues in the world. Realistically, the Scottish Women's Premier League is nowhere near the size of the NWSL or even our neighbours, the English WSL, so I just appreciate the fact that we managed to keep him for as long as we did. He was always going to move onto a new challenge and he deserves the chance to make a name for himself on the big stage.
BCS: The Dash front office has talked about the desire to play an attacking style of football after scoring just 16 goals last season. Will Alonso bring this to Houston and how would you describe the way his teams play?
JE: A team with Alonso as head coach will fight for 90 minutes no matter what. There is no 'sit back and defend' with the Spaniard on the touchline as he pushes his players forward and puts as much pressure as possible on the opposition's defence. This season alone, his Celtic team have scored 81 goals. That is the most scored in the league this season and says all it needs to.
BCS: What formation has Alonso used at Celtic and has he been flexible with it? Does a target striker like the Dash have in Diana Ordonez fit his style?
JE: I would say Diana Ordonez is exactly who Fran is looking for. He made it clear that if he stayed at Celtic through January, he would be looking to bring in a natural striker, despite us already having three incredible players who are capable of playing that role. He is always looking to improve his squad but I think that Ordonez will be the perfect fit for him in his first season at least. Fran regularly played three-at-the-back. Obviously, I don't have a great knowledge of the Dash's squad, but if they have three defenders capable of playing in a central role, as well as capable wing-backs, then I could see this continuing. With that being said, he is flexible, having moved to 4-at-the-back on occasion. There is a focus on wing-play in his tactics, with our wing-backs this season being some of the standout players because of their tactical impact on the game.
BCS: The Dash had the best defense in NWSL last season and a historically good unit. How can Alonso continue to carry on the team’s defensive identity while improving the offense?
JE: Like mentioned previously, he is capable of being defensive while continuing his attacking style of football. Celtic have only conceded nine goals this season under Alonso, and his team are as much of a defensive unit as they are an attacking one. I think the 3-at-the-back will be helpful for the Dash as it can allow more players to partake in the* defence and the attack. Like I said, wing-backs are extremely important in an Alonso side and so I could see him bringing in some incredible players in this position. They regularly help out with the attack, while also dropping back to make sure his side are as secure as possible in defence.
BCS: The Dash have been to the playoffs just once in their history. Alonso was able to turn around a Celtic club that had not had much success before him. What made him able to build up a club like he did?
JE: One thing that comes to mind as to how he managed to improve Celtic is his player selection. During his time, he has brought in some fan favourites and also developed younger players into capable first-team assets. How he managed who the Dash already have at the club will be key to his success though. He needs to quickly learn the squad inside and out and bring the passion that Celtic now have to the Dash. He's a manager who the Celtic players love and hopefully his record in Scotland will allow the Dash players to see that he is the man for the job and to put their full trust in him.
BCS: How is Alonso regarded amongst the players and fans and in the locker room atmosphere he’s created?
JE: He is beloved by both fans and players. The replies to his leaving announcement says all it needs to. He was imperative to Celtic's success and I think everyone can see that. I don't know how he built up connections behind the scenes, but you can tell that he has clearly developed a bond with every player wearing a Celtic shirt. He is passionate about any club he's at and that helps to build up a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. As for the fans, it's the passion that makes them fall in love. He always shows the fans how much he loves them and that goes a long way in winning their hearts.
BCS: With every new coach there are rumors of them bringing in players familiar with their system that they’ve coached before. Do you think any of Alonso’s former players could come to the US and who are some names to look out for?
JE: Paula Partido and Kit Loferski are players who I could see following Alonso out the door. Partido, who has performed incredibly this season, is currently on loan from Real Madrid and whilst I couldn't see her coming to Celtic permanently, I could certainly see him trying to bring her to the Dash. Loferski is currently out injured but has also performed to a high level this season. She was brought into the club in March 2023 and immediately made her impact on the team. This season, she has scored eight goals and has four assists in 11 appearances. She is a player that Fran speaks highly of, so if he does look to bring in another natural striker to the Dash, I could see him moving for Loferski.
We want to thank Jessica for her time and wish Celtic all the best as they finish up their current season.
