WPost's Goff: Right man--for now

[JohnW]

I know, I know, not another Bradley thread.

But Goff gives a good overview of the Bradley-Arena connection and who Bradley is. The article is heavy on Arena commentary and contains a few new quotes from Gulati.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/19/AR2006121901394.html

For my money, Goff is the top MSM person covering USMNT.

[KALM]

"Bruce Arena was the right guy, Bob Bradley is the right guy."
I just love that Bruce Arena refers to himself in the third person.

[appoo]

I just love that Bruce Arena refers to himself in the third person.

yea he's a dick...but doesn't mean he's wrong.

[Albirrojo]

I know, I know, not another Bradley thread.

But Goff gives a good overview of the Bradley-Arena connection and who Bradley is. The article is heavy on Arena commentary and contains a few new quotes from Gulati.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/19/AR2006121901394.html

For my money, Goff is the top MSM person covering USMNT.


Good article; a "circus" to quote BA it has been somewhat for the last 5 months;

I don't think the time table has been imperiled or damage control needed. The article reaafirms a reasonable caretaker is in charge.

[pwip]

yea he's a dick...but doesn't mean he's wrong.

Doesn't mean he is right. He had 8 years as a US soccer coach and was pretty powerful with the creditability he built up prior to the WC. BA is part of the problem.

[Tony in Quakeland]

I think this is a very interesting point:
MLS veteran midfielder Jesse Marsch has had a first-hand view after playing for Arena with United in 1996-97 and for Bradley with both Chicago and Chivas USA.

"Their thoroughness, their passion for soccer, that's very similar, but they communicate differently," he said. "Bruce will try things to motivate you and he's good at it. Playing for Bob is almost easy. It's very clear what is expected."

I think the lack of clarity cuts to the heart of the failures of 06. Bruce's motivational skill was key when we were scrappy underdogs. What was needed at the next stage required someone who clearly defined roles and expectations.

[Adam Zebrowski]

"All the while, though, Gulati plans to pursue an internationally seasoned coach from Europe or South America, with the intent of hiring someone before two major competitions this summer"

BEFORE...so this is on a fast track, OR they've got their hooks into someone...

if CQ, once the manu season ends, he'd be able to move over....still, it'd be a crash course getting ready for gold cup and copa america, as i'd doubt CQ could have any firm opinions on who to use and what approach would be best...

CQ could be coach in name only with bradley making the detailed decisions

[JohnW]

What was needed at the next stage required someone who clearly defined roles and expectations.
I looked in the Studio 90 archive, but I couldn't find it--I seem to remember an interview with Bobby Convey where he said something to the effect that he didn't know his role or there was something about not being clear on roles at WC '06.

Perhaps someone with a better memory?

[Tony in Quakeland]

I looked in the Studio 90 archive, but I couldn't find it--I seem to remember an interview with Bobby Convey where he said something to the effect that he didn't know his role or there was something about not being clear on roles at WC '06.

Perhaps someone with a better memory?
I remember Beasley complaining about the same thing. And I felt that Donovan's role was ill-defined (although I don't recall him ever saying that).

[JohnW]

Yes, perhaps it was Beasley.

I hadn't thought about it until I read your post, but I know that I remember someone (i.e., either Convey or Beasley) at the time saying something after the Czech game about not knowing their role in the team or game.

[macheath]

Yes, perhaps it was Beasley.

I hadn't thought about it until I read your post, but I know that I remember someone (i.e., either Convey or Beasley) at the time saying something after the Czech game about not knowing their role in the team or game.



Maybe we could just recycle all of the threads about what jerk Bruce Arena was/is. Give it a rest.

[Papin]

I think this is a very interesting point:


Bruce's motivational skill was key when we were scrappy underdogs.

We still are scrappy underdogs.

One of the problems in '06 was believing we no longer were underdogs b/c of the QF finish in '02 and the absurdly high FIFA ranking (#5?! are you kidding me?).

I love this team, but we are nowhere near a top-ten side (maybe top 15, at best). I don't see it as a bad thing to admit this. Overrating and overhyping the USMNT does it no good, especially since the U.S. has achieved its best results when it was way underrated and expectations were low.