Olsen Coming Back

There are reports swirling around DC United park today that a certain new assistant coach will be resigning tomorrow morning.  This follows earlier reports of his criticism of players and the grittiness that has not been on display on the pitch.  Earlier in the offseason, Ben Olsen got into a dust up with Morsink about his play in the middle.  Olsen was looking for more intensity, and more passion.  Morsink was looking for a way to get out of Olsen's shadow.  Reportedly, this all came to a head when Morsink tried to buy the #14 jersey from Najar just to show Olsen what a real #14 could do.

Club officials refused to comment but a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions said that an announcement would be coming later today or first thing tomorrow.  If this announcement comes this week, this can only be seen as a way to fire this team up after the offseason was spent re-structuring the team.

The issue at hand according to our source is replacing him in the coaching staff.  With Olsen possibly returning to the lineup, there would be a need for a fourth assistant coach.  There are a few names floating around, but the biggest name right now seems to be Marco Etcheverry.  Currently, El Diablo is serving as manager of the Bolivian club Oriente Petrolero.  Sources say he has a replacement ready to go and is waiting to travel up here this weekend.  Getting Etcheverry back would make sense since it replaces a fan favorite with another fan favorite.  This would certainly keep a player's perspective in the coaching ranks and bring some additional coaching experience to the current staff.  All indications are that the front office likes this staff they've assembled but want to add a bit more experience to help Curt Onalfo adjust a bit more.

From the practice field, Najar has been seen wearing the jersey #11 this week.  We can only assume that Olsen has taken the number 14 back.

What has not been figured out yet is when Olsen will join the top team.  All indications are that he is in the best shape of his life.  He has been running and training with the team serving as a coach all offseason.  One source is suggesting that after last week's debacle, Olsen may start in place of Morsink this weekend as a way to bring passion to the team and also rile the fans up.

Lets hope this is not a ploy but a real solution to a real problem.  Last week's team lacked any desire to win the 50/50 balls or put anything consistent together and that is exactly what Olsen brings to the field.

For more information, feel free to contact DC United front office at 877-218-6466.

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