Henrik Rydstrom, the new head coach of the Columbus Crew, has finally joined the team after a delay due to visa issues [1, 2]. Rydstrom, who was signed on New Year's Eve to replace Wilfried Nancy, arrived nearly two weeks into the preseason [1, 2]. The team is currently in Florida for training camp in preparation for the upcoming MLS season [3].
Rydstrom's Philosophy: Evolution, Not Revolution
Rydstrom aims to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor [4]. According to Dylan Chambost and Malte Amundsen, the team is expecting "not a revolution, but an evolution" under Rydstrom's leadership [5]. Rydstrom admires the style of play implemented by Nancy, noting the team's ability to maintain possession and frustrate opponents [4]. He even incorporated aspects of the Crew's playing style into his tactics while coaching Malmö FF in Sweden [4]. "The way Columbus played under [former head coach] Wilfried Nancy, I think it’s amazing football,” Rydström remarked [4]. “I owe a lot of things to him and his staff because it’s a well drilled team" [4].
Preseason Preparations in Florida
The Crew are currently in Florida, engaging in preseason training to gear up for the 2026 MLS regular season [3, 5]. With Rydstrom now at the helm, the team is focused on refining their tactics and building cohesion in advance of their season opener [3, 5]. The players are adapting to Rydstrom's approach, which seeks to evolve the existing system rather than overhaul it entirely [5].
TL;DR
- Henrik Rydstrom has joined the Columbus Crew as head coach after overcoming visa delays [1, 2].
- Rydstrom intends to evolve the team's playing style, building on the foundation established by Wilfried Nancy [4, 5].
- The Crew are currently in Florida for preseason training, preparing for the upcoming MLS season [3, 5].
- Rydstrom has expressed admiration for the Crew's previous style of play and aims to incorporate elements of it into his own coaching philosophy [4].