Raphael Wicky's bold plan to rebuild Sporting Kansas City from the ground up

After a break for fatherhood, Wicky returns with a radical blueprint for success. Can 12 new signings and a tactical overhaul revive Kansas City's playoff hopes?

, and Administrator

2026 February 23 . 7:38 PM

1 min read

The image shows a football coach talking to his team on the field. He is wearing a cap and holding... — The image shows a football coach talking to his team on the field. He is wearing a cap and holding an object in his hand, while the players are wearing helmets. In the background, there are trees, poles, lights, railings, and a goal post, as well as a clear blue sky.

Raphael Wicky's bold plan to rebuild Sporting Kansas City from the ground up

Raphael Wicky became head coach of Sporting Kansas City in January 2023. The Swiss manager arrived with a clear vision for the team's future. His appointment followed a deliberate break from football after leaving Young Boys in 2022.

Wicky stepped away from coaching to focus on family life, including the birth of his first child in summer 2025. He now sees fatherhood as a chance to gain fresh perspective on handling pressure in management.

His early weeks in the U.S. were intense. The squad underwent a three-week training camp in Florida, followed by nearly two weeks in California. Wicky identified a need for significant reinforcement, with around 10 to 12 new signings required to strengthen a thin roster.

The coach aims to reshape Sporting Kansas City's identity. His approach emphasises building play from defence, controlling possession, and high-intensity pressing. He also wants the team to adopt a more aggressive defensive style.

Wicky believes the club can reach the MLS playoffs this season. He notes that the league's structure—with its longer development time and unpredictable top spots—differs from the Swiss Super League. The Argentine national team's use of the club's training facility ahead of the 2026 World Cup has not led to any documented changes in infrastructure.

Sporting Kansas City now looks to implement Wicky's tactical philosophy. The coach's focus on possession, pressing, and squad depth will shape the team's direction. His experience and personal growth could play a key role in the club's push for playoff contention.