‘COINCIDENCE’ - MoBay boss dismisses claims of acting behind the scenes to acquire Ainstein

Montego Bay United Chairman Yoni Epstein says his organisation made no moves for former Waterhouse coach Javier Ainstein before his shock resignation from the latter.

No sooner had Ainstein and Waterhouse announced they would be separating, Montego Bay United, who had already moved their head coach, Xavier Gilbert, to the position of technical director, came an announcement that the Argentine would be leading the lines for last season’s beaten semi-finalists. 

The coincidence sent tongues wagging, with some asking if Ainstein’s resignation came with the knowledge that he was heading to Montego Bay.

“It was an absolute coincidence. We really weren't in the market looking, and the opportunity came to us, after looking at his résumé, as well as what he did at Waterhouse for the brief time that he was there,” said Epstein.

“As we continue to look at the future of the club, Xavier is a part of the team. We like what Javier did, and the championships that he has won over his career,” added Epstein.

Ainstein’s appointment was announced in a press release by the club on Sunday evening and becomes effective on July 1.

The Panama-based Argentine shocked the Drewsland-based club when he handed in his resignation. He was expected to return to Panama, where he and his family reside.

The Argentine’s appointment would be seen as a slap in the face for Waterhouse, who had invested heavily to keep him on for a second season.

“I can’t speak to that. The situation is between Javier and Waterhouse. What I can speak on is that we are pleased to have this pedigree as a part of our technical staff,” Epstein said, noting it was a unanimous decision by the board.

“There must have been some reasons as to wanting to leave Waterhouse abruptly, but we took the opportunity when that became available,” added Epstein.

According to the chairman, the job gets no easier for Ainstein.

“Win or go home, no pressure,” joked Epstein.

“My thing is, we need to win the league. I'm still very confident and optimistic that we have one of, if not the best team structurally in the league,” said Epstein.

MoBay finished second in the standings on 71 points, advancing to the play-offs.

They played their way into the semi-finals, but lost 2-1 on aggregate to Cavalier SC.

In the third-place match, Mount Pleasant edged MBU 3-2 to qualify for the Caribbean Football Union Club Shield. Epstein wants more.

“The goal is to win. It is not to make the play-offs. On and off the field, we have progressively gotten better every season that I have been here,” Epstein added.

Epstein also confirmed, more or less, that Epstein would play a major part in player recruitment activities.

“Absolutely. That is a job for the technical director and himself to work through available players and to strengthen the deficiencies we believe we have in the squad currently,” said Epstein.

One Waterhouse source stated that Ainstein wanted more autonomy over transfers and technical staff appointments, and that issue was one of the reasons for his resignation.

Epstein stated that decisions will be taken to the board for them to finalise and execute. 

“You won't see a wholesale change in the team, but you'll certainly see some quality coming into the squad through this window that will strengthen the overall squad, preparing us to be in a position to achieve our goals,” said Epstein.

“When I look at Javier's style of play to Xavier’s, there are a lot of similarities. I think we will continue to see more attacking football, while strengthening our defence.”

“That was something that really hurt us down the stretch in the league last season,” said Epstein.

“We will defend, strengthen our defensive approach, but we'll still be known to be a very attacking football team.”