Report: Carlos Bocanegra in running for USMNT general manager spot

Could Atlanta United be in the market for a new technical director and vice president soon?

According to a report from GOAL.com’s Ives Galarcep, Carlos Bocanegra is being considered for the brand new general manager role for the United States men’s national team. The position being introduced by the USSF is supposed to be a person who operated the daily operations of the national team and be heavily involved in such decisions as hiring the next manager.

Bocanegra is the second name to emerge as a candidate for the job. Earlier this week, SI.com’s Grant Wahl reported that Seattle Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey is also being considered.

So, is there a chance that he could leave Atlanta?

Bocanegra has around two years of executive experience to his name. If new president Carlos Cordeiro and CEO Dan Flynn are valuing experience in the decision process, it’s likely that Lagerwey has a leg up. However, if player relations and on-field knowledge is a big factor, perhaps no one is as well-respected by the players as Boca is.

He is a former USMNT captain and two-time World Cup veteran. He’s played all over the world and has never had anything but great things said about him by teammates. So, it makes perfect sense that if an important role within the USSF that fits him is open, he’d be strongly considered.

What would it mean for Atlanta United if he was chosen? Thankfully the club have a tremendous technical staff in place. Alongside Bocanegra there is director of soccer operations Paul McDonough and of course president Darren Eales. Boca leaving would be a blow to the team, but there would be several capable replacements out there, including McDonough himself who has proven to be a valuable asset to the club.

Right now, there are only rumors and candidates emerging. It’s something to keep an eye on, but nothing to worry about at current time.