Now it's Matt Wells (37), not coach Matt Wells. He succeeds Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) in joining the U.S. stage and debuts as a head coach.
Colorado Rapids announced on the 24th (Korean time) through the club's official channel, "We have appointed Tottenham Hotspur's assistant coach Wells as the club's next head coach. He, who is 37 this year, after serving on Tottenham's first-team coaching staff in the English Premier League for more than the past two seasons, has joined the Rapids," the club said.
Colorado finished 11th out of 15 teams in the MLS western conference last season. They had the same points as ninth-place Real Salt Lake, who took the final playoff spot, but fell short by one win in total victories. Now Colorado is preparing a new era with Wells as head coach.
President Pádraig Smith said, "We are pleased to welcome Wells as our new head coach. He brings extensive Premier League experience, a proven commitment to player development, and a clear tactical identity shaped under one of the most respected managers in modern football. Wells's background aligns with the club's long-term vision. We look forward to the next chapter under his leadership," he welcomed.
Born in 1988, coach Wells worked as a Tottenham coach from the 2023-24 season. A product of the Tottenham youth system, he began his coaching career after retiring by becoming a Tottenham youth coach. He later joined the coaching staff of fellow Tottenham alumnus Scott Parker and gained experience as an assistant coach at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.
Wells later reunited with Tottenham during the tenure of Ange Postecoglou and most recently served as assistant coach under Thomas Frank. Last season, as assistant coach, he helped Tottenham win the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League (UEL) title.
Wells was known to take on a large portion of training duties. Earlier, The Athletic said, "Manager Postecoglou preferred not to intervene directly in training and entrusted training to the coaching staff. Because of this, Wells took on significant responsibility for coaching the players," and emphasized, "Wells is highly regarded in the football world. Praise for his analytical eye and creative training methods is unending."
Wells, now taking up the Colorado baton to begin his head coaching career, said, "Of course it's a difficult decision to leave a team playing Champions League football, but everything about the people and project at Colorado made me choose this place. I want to work with this exciting young team and impart my football ideas. I hope to deliver a winning football brand that fans can be proud of."
Wells revealed more in an interview with Major League Soccer (MLS). Moving to unfamiliar Colorado with his wife, dog and 15-month-old daughter, he said, "I grew up in the Tottenham youth teams from age 8 to 20, returned and coached the U-12, U-13, U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams. And as assistant coach I helped secure the club's first trophy in 17 years and its first European competition trophy in 40 years."
Wells added, "So leaving Tottenham was never an easy choice. But I am ambitious and have personal goals. If it's the right choice, I would never let anything block the path to the next step. And taking the Colorado job was definitely the right move."
The name of another Tottenham alumnus and MLS star Son Heung-min was also mentioned. Wells said, "I've been watching MLS before and knew there are many world-class players. I am very close with Sonny and spoke with him throughout the process. Sonny reacted positively about the match experience and the level of the league. The same goes for Eric Ramsay. After many conversations with him, I only felt positive. I'm not worried at all."
Finally he said, "Because this is my first head coaching job I must succeed. Colorado is an organization that aligns with my ambitions and values. I have come to a place where I can succeed. I say every time that I came here to win the MLS Cup. That is my goal and my ambition. I want to convey that mindset to everyone and I believe it will become contagious. We must work hard every day to make that a reality," he declared.
Meanwhile, Wells built a deep friendship with Son Heung-min at Tottenham. When Son's transfer was confirmed last August, he paid a final tribute, saying, "Sonny. The perfect example of the word 'legend.' An amazing player and the ultimate professional, but even more an outstanding person. I was really glad to have been with you for the past 27 months."
At the time Wells said, "I couldn't be happier to have helped you write the final chapter at this great football club so wonderfully. The captain's armband, an unforgettable night in Bilbao, the trophy, and last week's moving farewell in Korea. Your legendary status is now secured! Wishing you the best of luck ahead, and thank you for the precious memories!" he wished departing Son well.
[Photo] Wells, Colorado social media.
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