Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson believes there's more pressure on the head coach of his club than on the head man of the LA Galaxy.
Portland won the franchise's first major trophy two seasons ago, beating Columbus Crew SC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final. However the Galaxy have established themselves as one of the most successful clubs in league history, lifting five MLS Cups, four Supporters' Shields and two U.S. Open Cups since beginning play in 1996.
The Galaxy have also counted on the likes of stars such as David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan and Steven Gerard over their successful history. However Paulson, speaking on ESPN FC's Max and Herc Podcast, said the interest from the local market in Portland makes the challenges of his club's coach unique.
"There's no question that the impact the LA Galaxy have had on this league has been immense. Marquee signings starting with David Beckham, then you look at the impact he's had," Paulson said. "But I'll tell you what: How much ink does the LA Galaxy get in the LA market, on the LA Times and the broader sports coverage? Certainly not more than the Portland Timbers get locally here.
"I'd argue you're under more of a microscope in the community of Portland. And Caleb Porter is more of a recognizable figure in the community of Portland as the head coach of the Portland Timbers than anybody who's coaching the LA Galaxy is as they walk in and around their community.
"Now look, you can slice and dice it multiple ways. That's a massive job. The team's been huge for the league but in my mind there's more pressure on the head coach of the Portland Timbers than there is on the head coach of the LA Galaxy. And that's something I'm not objective about but I certainly believe.
"Now that can be a good thing or that can be a bad thing but, and I was just with [Galaxy owner] Phil Anschutz just the other week at the owners meetings and let me tell you, he wants to win [...] and they have won, more than anybody else.
"And I'm certainly not implying there's not pressure that comes with an LA Galaxy head coaching gig but we sell out every game here, and we've got the waiting list and yeah, the city's not as big as LA but this is a pretty damn big coaching job right here."