Bastian Schweinsteiger’s move from Manchester United to Chicago Fire in the United States was never going to be a step up in footballing pedigree.
However, after his move was officially completed on Wednesday, he probably didn’t expect this to become so clear at just his first press conference. Here’s the German World Cup winner being asked if the Major League Soccer club could win a World Cup of their own…
Schweinsteiger was asked if he can help the Chicago Fire win a World Cup….
Stick to your handegg, Americans.pic.twitter.com/5fvh3LySBS— Bhargav (@ThatIndianGuy) March 30, 2017
Just in case it wasn’t immediately and glaringly clear what was wrong with that question – Chicago Fire is a football club, not a country such as Germany which competes in the World Cup.
All in all, Schweinsteiger handled the question rather well, managing to laugh it off and give a pretty encouraging answer about playing “match by match” despite being asked twice by the journalist – whom you’ve got to wonder how they ended up at the conference in the first place.
Embarrassing…..Schweinsteiger was just asked if he can help the Chicago Fire win a World Cup….
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) March 29, 2017
#Schweinsteiger has said he likes a challenge, competing in a world cup with an MLS side is a challenge and a half @ChicagoFire
— Simon Love (@LoveSimon88) March 30, 2017
American Reporter: "Can you win the World Cup with @ChicagoFire?" ????
Bastian Schweinsteiger's face: pic.twitter.com/fra1h5nPtp
— SPORF (@Sporf) March 30, 2017
Some thought it didn’t bode well for the current state of the beautiful game in the US.
Soccer in the U.S. was set back 25yrs when a reporter asked Bastian Schweinsteiger if he could lead the MLS Chicago Fire to a World Cup
— The Bear ?? (@NYYanksBear) March 30, 2017
While others wondered if there was another competition the 32-year-old could impossibly secure for the Fire…
Ridiculous asking Schweinsteiger if Chicago Fire can win the World Cup… That's a bit far, but I reckon they could win the Champions League
— Andy Castell (@AJ3) March 30, 2017
Clever Andy, very clever. Sounds like Bastian has some work to do.
The club clearly has a sense of humour as well though. Here’s what they posted shortly after the press briefing…
#RoadToRussia ?? pic.twitter.com/9n3m8M34UW
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) March 29, 2017
Legends.After having spent some time on the sidelines at Old Trafford, we’re sure Schweinsteiger will be relishing the opportunity for more first team football – and with Russia 2018 round the corner, who knows what this playing time in Chicago could do for the retired captain.
Good start with my new mates at @ChicagoFire! Looking forward to our challenges ???? pic.twitter.com/BuhjYEqIx3
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 29, 2017