The Dynamo introduced Wilmer Cabrera as the third full-time head coach in club history on Friday afternoon. Here is a sampling of what former players, coaches and executives have said about the Colombian manager:
Sunil Gulati, President of the United States Soccer Federation, appointed Cabrera Head Coach of U.S. Under-17 Boys’ National Team in 2007
“I’ve known Wilmer for a long time, first as a player and then as a coach, and have always been impressed with how he goes about things in the right way. His experience coaching at the professional level, coupled with his ability to help develop youth players, will be a great asset for the Dynamo. I wish him all the best.”
Oscar Pareja, FC Dallas head coach and former teammate of Cabrera with Colombia National Team
“This is a great opportunity for Wilmer. I am happy to see him get the chance. He deserves it very much. I am sure he will do well because he knows the culture of the league and what it takes to win and develop players. He is a coach that I have a lot of respect for.”
Carlos Valderrama, Colombia National Team all-time appearance leader and former teammate of Cabrera (translated from Spanish)
"Congratulations to Wilmer for being named head coach of the Houston Dynamo. I wish him the best. We’ve known each other since our time together on the Colombian National Team. He is prepared, hard-working, disciplined, and a good person."
Kellyn Acosta, FC Dallas midfielder andmember ofU.S. Under-17 National Team at 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup
“Wilmer's coaching style is very similar to Oscar (Pareja)’s. They both have very similar systems and tactics. It's great to see him get the job at Houston. He fully deserves it. He has helped shape me into the player I am. He showed me a different side of the game – the mental side. He was a very demanding coach and was very hard on me. That was my biggest take away from him. I remember times when we would watch film and I would dread it. But that really helped me not to make the same mistakes again.”
Marc Pelosi, San Jose Earthquakes midfielder and captain of U.S. Under-17 National Team at 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup
“I worked with Wilmer for two years when I was down in Residency and throughout the years we’ve kept in touch. I’ve learned a lot [from him], when I was young he developed me and when I went to Liverpool after Residency he prepared me for the professional life. I think he’s going to do a great job at Houston and I look forward to seeing him and playing against him.”
Dillon Serna, Colorado Rapids midfielder and member ofU.S. Under-17 National Team at 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup
“Ever since he was my coach in Residency, I had a great relationship with him. Wilmer then came to the Rapids as an Assistant and during his time here, he was the guy that a lot of the younger players looked to for advice. I’m really happy for him and I wish him the best of luck in Houston.”
Jared Watts, Colorado Rapids defenderand member ofU.S. Under-17 national team at 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
“Wilmer demands a lot out of his players. He has so much experience as a former World Cup player and knows what it takes to be a successful player.”
Eriq Zavaleta, Toronto FC defender andmember ofU.S. Under-17 national team at 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup; played for Cabrera at Chivas USA in 2014
“I’m happy for Wilmer. I think it was a difficult situation for him at Chivas [USA] to be successful and I think he’s got an opportunity at Houston with more resources and good players to find some success and I hope that he does.”
(Quotes courtesy FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC and U.S. Soccer Communications)
