Arena Named New Red Bulls Coach & Sporting Director
(Goal.com) - Bruce Arena, who just learned last Thursday he would not be offered a new contract by US Soccer after a two-World Cup cycle run, was named Red Bull New York's new sporting director and head coach on Tuesday morning. Arena will oversee all of the club's soccer operations, including the first team, reserve and academy teams and youth development.
Arena will be on the Red Bulls' sidelines starting on Aug. 12 in the team's friendly vs. UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona at Giants Stadium. Until then, current interim head coach Richie Williams will serve as the acting head coach until Arena permanently arrives. Williams may be retained as an assistant. The former US, New York, and D.C. United midfielder played under Arena at college and professional level for several years.
Prior to becoming the U.S. national team coach, Arena led D.C. United to back-to-back MLS Cup championships in 1996 and 1997 and during his three-year stint, he earned the best winning percentage (.635) in league history.
D.C. United have been regarded as New York's arch-rivals since the clubs began playing in 1996, meaning Arena, who has long been revered in United circles, will have a lot of explaining to do when he returns to United with the Red Bulls on September 23.
The move, however, is not that shocking. Arena's son, Kenny, played 20 games for the New York franchise, and Arena himself was born in Brooklyn, NY.
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Comments
You could see that one coming a bizillion miles away. No shocker there. The team can't really do any worse, so Arena should have an easy time improving their record a bit next season.
Posted by: Bored MLS Fan | July 18, 2006 03:07 PM
That's great,now let's get some experienced foreign players to influence the young talents,a good coach,a couple of big names and young players looking to improve,all these combinations may bring some results and most imprtantly the crowds,I would bring Tommasi (Roma just let him go)Zidane(he just retired) Davids (from Holland),Recoba (never plays with Inter),Del Piero (juve is going to serie B)& Van Neestelroy (I wish).
Posted by: Tony p | July 20, 2006 09:34 PM
That's quite a wish list Tony. Nice selections, but NY could probably only afford one player of that caliber. Other than Zidane who is now retired, the transfer fees on those players would be impressive. But I do agree with the strategy. Bring in a few young players and sign a couple of veteran players with some name recognition and some experience to pass on.
That is where Arena will excel as well. He does have a great ability to mix youth and experience and maintain chemistry. Given a couple of seasons to build the team to his liking, I expect Arena to be very successful in NY.
Posted by: Heath Young | July 21, 2006 10:44 AM
You are right Heath, I was wishing,I was just remembering watching the NY Cosmos and they had Pele,Beckembauer,Chinaglia,Neeskens,Wilson,Carlos Alberto,Serginho etc.. Giants stadium was always packed,oh well.
Posted by: Tony p | July 21, 2006 09:20 PM