A World Cup veteran for USA, new Fuego coach Jermaine Jones sees big soccer growth in Fresno
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Former US men’s soccer player Jermaine Jones is looking forward to coaching the USL’s Central Valley Fuego FC.
Jones was introduced as the new coach Monday afternoon in northwest Fresno and to him, it was a no-brainer why he wanted to become the Fuego coach.
“It just fits with what, where I come from the football side, from the soccer side, especially growing up in Germany,” Jones said.
“When I started looking into it and found out more about it, I just can see how Fresno can grow in this game, and how much potential there is. Straight from the beginning I looked into a couple of stuff and I was like, ‘OK, then I’m interested.’”
It’s his first head coaching job after an extensive player career.
Jones played for European clubs FC Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Besiktas and Blackburn Rovers, including 27+ appearances in UEFA Champions League.
He also played for MLS’ New England Revolution as a designated player.
He made several World Cup appearances for the US team and helped the team to the Round 16 of the 2014 World Cup.
The Fuego said they had 300 applicants and then had a second round of interviews before hiring Jones.
Fuego managing partner Juan Gerardo Ruelas said Jones “checked off a lot of the boxes.”
“We did our due diligence,” Ruelas said. “He was the individual that we arrived with and we’re confident in giving him the helm, giving him the opportunity to lead. It’s also an opportunity that I’ve been seeking for as well.”
Last season, the Fuego finished last in USL League One at 6-21-5.
Jones said with him leading the Fuego FC, fans can expect hard work from his players.
“The people who know me, they know that my values are always hard work,” Jones said. “I will make sure that the team will work hard and honor the colors of Fuego and represent Fresno as a city. That’s something I will push my team, and that’s why I said before that the fans can be excited for a team who will give everything for them.”
