Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo announced in a press conference that he has relieved sporting director Nick De Santis of his duties. The Impact are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference and will debut in the CONCACAF Champions League next week.
"In business, the most difficult decisions to make are those made involving emotions," Saputo said in a club statement. "This is why today, I am forced to make this decision with a heavy heart. After 20 years of being part of the team as a player, successful coach and GM, it gives me great sadness to announce that Nick De Santis has been relieved from his functions."
"We are in a results based business. Since July 2013, the results are not at the level of our expectations."
Manager Frank Klopas will assume the role of director of player personnel while the club works on a new structure. Joey Saputo admitted the current structure had too many layers and looks to make it simpler.
Nick De Santis will remain with the club in an administrative role, but will no longer have any decision making power.
Joey Saputo was thinking of making this decision during the World Cup break, but gave the team a chance to reverse course, but alas this did not happen.
After making the MLS playoffs last year (albeit by the skin of their teeth), the Impact are in a mess and have been struggling to close out games as their opponents have been getting winning goals towards the end of the game. The Impact will now face rivals Toronto FC on Saturday and try to close the 10 point gap separating them from the fifth and final playoff spot.