Charlotte’s new pro soccer team, Charlotte FC, is starting its second season with high hopes — and the man most responsible for assembling the roster of players says he’s executing a strategy to have the team improve.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta shares his philosophy on building a roster — and also some of the most poignant moments surrounding the tragic death of Anton Walkes in a boating accident this preseason.
Krneta, who was born in Serbia, came to Charlotte with his wife after accepting the job in 2019 — a role that is similar to a general manager in other sports. He had spent years as a sports agent in London and agreed to come work for Tepper Sports and Entertainment because he relished the challenge of building a team from scratch.
Zoran Krneta, at a news conference in 2022. (Photo by Kevin Young/The 5 and 2 Project)
In a 27-minute conversation with The Ledger’s Carroll Walton and Tony Mecia, Krneta discusses:
His background in Serbia and London, and how he wound up in Charlotte
The team’s long-term approach to assembling a roster — and the type of players the team looks for
The early challenges of trying to attract international players to Charlotte — and how that is changing
The legacy of Anton Walkes — and how his death is bringing the team closer together
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
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Building Charlotte FC, with Zoran Krneta