Strikers Announce Technical Staff Changes
June 7, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sunday, June 7, 2015) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers today announced that Soccer Director Andre Chaves and Head Coach Marcelo Neveleff have resigned their positions with the club. Additionally, Assistant Coach Ricardo Lopes has been relieved of his duties. All three changes are effective immediately. Strikers Managing Partner Ricardo Geromel made the announcement.
Defender Iván Guerrero, in his third year with the Strikers, will coach the team on an interim basis Saturday in the NASL Spring Season finale at Minnesota United FC. Guerrero, who has made eight starts in 2015, will remain on the player roster.
The club's search for a new head coach will begin immediately. Fort Lauderdale kicks off the NASL Fall Season on Wednesday, July 8, at the Carolina RailHawks.
Strikers General Manager Amaury Nunes will be available to media Monday morning from 8-10 a.m. EDT during the team's practice at Lockhart Stadium. Guerrero will be available following Monday's practice. No Strikers personnel will be available for comment today.
Chaves was named soccer director on January 13, 2015. He remains with the Strikers as a partner. Neveleff was appointed head on January 19, while Lopes joined the Strikers for the inaugural North American Soccer League season in 2011.
The team is currently 2-1-5 (W-T-L) in the NASL Spring Season, sitting in 10th place in league standings.
Strikers Managing Partner Ricardo Geromel:
"We thank Andre, Marcelo and Ricardo for their contributions to the Strikers. While the team has been competitive, unfortunately, their efforts haven't translated to success on the pitch this season. Each of these three gentlemen are great soccer minds and we wish them success. Going forward, we will evaluate every facet of our operation in an effort to deliver a team that makes our fans proud."
Andre Chaves:
"I recognize that I did not reach the necessary goals so that we would win on the field. I thank the owners, employees and players for trusting me. I wish success and the best of luck to the club, the players, and to the friends I have made."
Marcelo Neveleff:
"I feel the team needs a new direction. We built a strong squad that gave its best during every practice and game. Sometimes, that is still not enough. I thank the players, my coaching staff, Claudio -- the most loyal equipment manager -- Ronaldo, Andre Chaves, Amaury Nunes, Strikers management, and the fans for a great five months."
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