As if to answer the other question uppermost on our minds, Goff states that Benny "is not a candidate for United's head coaching job . . . but seems likely to remain with the organization in some capacity, perhaps as an assistant coach."
Big news indeed, and not just for sentimental reasons. There were many games last year when Ben was the true quarterback on the field. Without his vision and superior soccer mind, the team would have been lost. Take, for example, the first half against Real Madrid. Ben looked almost unhinged as he directed traffic, pulling strings to make United's defense and offense work effectively. It is absolutely true that his physical shape--declining speed, sharpness, endurance--had become a liability. However, Ben contributed so much to this team that he will be impossible to entirely replace.
Therefore, I truly hope that he is invited to stay on in some capacity if that is what he wants to do. I had actually hoped he would be well enough to play for one more season and be involved in the transition of the team to rising younger players. I'd take Benny back more than (don't send me hate mail) Jaime Moreno, because Olsen still seemed able to contribute more.
As for the rest of it . . . aw it hurts of course. Hurts to see him go, hurts to see the passing of an era, hurts to be reminded yet again of the march of time.
One thing is certain: just as much as we will miss cheering for him on the field, we will miss having him around as the heart and soul of the team. Damn.
Here's BDR with thoughts and some choice Benny quotes. Richie Williams for head coach and Olsen for assistant? Could be.
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