Bliss looks to stabilize Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire's post-Frank Yallop era began Monday when technical director Brian Bliss held his first practice as interim coach.

"Obviously, you're looking to stabilize," said Bliss, who also served as an interim coach just two years ago. "The same thing in Columbus. I've been in this situation before. Just looking to get a little more direction, a little more stability and try to look at these next five games and get a way and a style and an atmosphere generated that can hopefully project some wins.

"There's no magic wand at this point. There's a formula to how I work, and I believe it will bring some success. However it will take a little bit of time to get them indoctrinated and get us going in that direction."

One area Bliss said he and interim assistant coach Logan Pause will focus on is the defense. It has been a problem area lately.

Familiar face:

In addition to naming moving Brian Bliss and Logan Pause to field roles Sunday, the Fire also announced well-respected league and U.S. Soccer veteran administrator Nelson Rodriguez will join the club Oct. 19 as general manager.

"He's been in the league as long as I have probably," Bliss told reporters after practice. " … He has as much knowledge of how the workings of the league and how a team operates as anybody. He's very professional, thoughtful, detail-oriented and he's committed.

"And that's what you want, guys who roll up their sleeves, plus they've got the knowledge.

Rodriguez will be charged with finding a new coach. Bliss said he hopes to be considered.

"I've always said I'm comfortable in either role, coaching or technical director. I've spent more time on the field and in the locker room than I have in an office, and I still feel that's where my skill set lies," he said, adding he's "not averse" to continuing as technical director.

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