The mood has been congenial in the D.C. United locker room this season. The abundance of smiles and laughter are easily attributed to United’s best start in franchise history, a 10-game unbeaten streak and a league-leading record of 10-1-5 at the season’s midway point. But there’s an underrated aspect: The improved humor of head coach Peter Nowak.
“This year his jokes have been awesome,” said forward Alecko Eskandarian. “He’s been really good at making fun of us this year whereas in the past, his jokes weren’t that good. I don’t know if he read a joke book or something, but he’s been killing guys in the locker room with his jokes.”
During a highly successful career in Europe and then for the Chicago Fire, Nowak was a fierce, intense leader on the field. His passion for success helped him guide United to the 2004 MLS Cup in his first season as a head coach. Now in his third year, Nowak has refined his skills, adding humor, compassion and an empathic connection with his team as a player, not just a coach.
Last week, Nowak was selected to coach the MLS All-Stars against English Premier League champions Chelsea on Aug. 5 at Toyota Park in Chicago, a large honor for one who felt the need to reassess his coaching style after United’s early playoff exit in 2005.
“I asked myself, ‘Do I really expose the strengths of every player?’” said Nowak. “And that’s what I want to do this year. Not only think about the mistakes, think, ‘Oh, you have to work on that because that’s your limitation or deficiency.’ I just want to expose the strengths so they’re not going to think, ‘I did this bad or I have to work on that.’ No, this is what you are good at, just do it. Do it more and do it more often.”
D.C.’s younger players are thriving and gaining confidence as a result. Freddy Adu scored his first goal of the season last week in Kansas City, and Clyde Simms scored his first career goal two weeks ago. As the team has become more comfortable with Nowak, they’ve begun to see him as he sees himself: just another player striving for a championship.
“It makes everyone’s job easier because they know where they stand,” said midfielder Brian Carroll. “They can talk to Peter like a player, they don’t always have to approach him as the coach.”
“Maybe I was more like a coach last year or the year before when I started putting everything in place,” said Nowak. “Right now, I’m feeling more like a part of the group. ‘I’m one of you. We’re going to go this season, and we’re going to be successful.’”
D.C. United (10-1-5) at F.C. Dallas (8-4-3)
» Where: Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas
» When: Tonight at 6
» TV: Comcast SportsNet (tape-delayed telecast begins at 7:30 p.m.)
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
