Nowak introduced as United coach

Peter Nowak, D.C. United’s new coach, was introduced to the media yesterday at RFK Stadium, pledging to restore the club to its glory days and establish discipline in the United locker room.

“I know the fans have suffered for a few years here but I’m sure we will find a way to bring the glory days back again to D.C.,” said Nowak, who arrives at United following a six-year career at the Chicago Fire. He retired as a player at the end of 2002 and was in a front-office job at Chicago last year.

Nowak, 39, arrives with no coaching experience, but that didn’t seem to faze the former captain of Poland’s national team.

“There’s a lot of coaches out there with experience but no success,” Nowak said. “Look at the example of Frank Yallop, who came from nowhere and won two MLS Cups [2001 and 2003 with San Jose]. … I’ve been coached by about 20 different coaches in different leagues. … I’m not a rookie.”

Nowak captained the Fire to three titles in five years including the MLS Cup in 1998.

“Throughout his playing career Nowak was always a leader and coach on the field,” said Kevin Payne, the senior vice president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which operates the club. “He will have the players playing for one another, for him and the shirt.”

At United, Nowak will be responsible for nurturing Major League Soccer’s most prized possession, 14-year-old Freddy Adu, who is expected to make his team debut on April3 when United plays defending champion San Jose on national television.

“We will utilize Freddy according to his strengths,” said Nowak. “If he deserves to be on the field he will be on the field, but every player will get his fair shot. Because of Freddy’s age, we will evaluate and protect him. But the team will always come first.”

The decision to hire Nowak began its germination four months ago, when Nowak called Payne to suggest he would like to get in to coaching.

It appears Nowak will not have to deal with midfelder Marco Etcheverry, who is likely to be encouraged not to rejoin the team.

“There would certainly be challenges with [Etcheverry] coming back — with the salary cap,” said Payne. “Marco has always said that he would like to play the last year of his career in Bolivia. … We have to decide what is best for D.C. United.”