November 23 – Never go back is one of football’s oldest adages – as Jose Mourinho found to his cost not so long ago at Chelsea. But the US football authorities have deemed that Bruce Arena is the best person to turn to after sacking Jurgen Klinsmann following the German’s five-year stint in charge.
Arena previously managed the US from 1998 to 2006, during which time he led them to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, their highest finish since reaching the semi-finals of the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
“When we considered the possible candidates to take over the men’s national team at this time, Bruce was at the top of the list,” US Soccer president Sunil Gulati insisted. “His experience at the international level, understanding of the requirements needed to lead a team through World Cup qualifying, and proven ability to build a successful team were all aspects we felt were vital for the next coach.
“We all know Bruce will be fully committed to preparing the players for the next eight qualifying games and earning a berth to an eighth-straight FIFA World Cup in Russia. He has far more experience than first time around. He has proven himself at all levels of the game in America, his record as a coach is unparalleled.”
But at 65, was Arena really the only logical choice especially considering his failure at the 2006 World Cup when the US were knocked out in the group stage? Dismissed by Gulati thereafter, he went to the New York Red Bulls but lasted a mere 16 months.
Arena certainly has a tough task on his hands as he takes over a team that lost its first two final group qualifiers for 2018 against Mexico and Costa Rica, though there is of course plenty of time left with a further eight games to go and three places plus a play-off to chase in the group.
“Any time you get the opportunity to coach the national team it’s an honour,” said Arena said who has pledged to bring about the togetherness lacking under Klinsmann. “Working as a team, I’m confident that we’ll take the right steps forward to qualify. We need to build chemistry and have a common goal.
“We have good players and we just need to get them together as a team. It takes a lot of hard work, communication, discipline and some talent — and we have enough of that to end up in Russia in 2018. I understand the qualities and circumstances that go into building a team.”
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