Should DCU approach Arena?

[Dogmatagram]

Seems to me this is an inevitable question at this point. Arena is very arguably the finest potentially available candidate. I have no idea if he would be interested, but I don't think anyone can deny that the guy can flat coach.

With the talent Sohn has had at his disposal, his record over the latter half of last season and this season is dismal, and extended enough to necessitate making a change. Who knows what Arena could do with the quality on this team, but I for one would love to see him come in, shake things up -- which he would do more than just about anyone -- and try to get this team to perform as it should.

[roadkit]

I'm still trying to figure out if there is a downside to this idea.

I don't think there is.

[NattyBo]

I'm still trying to figure out if there is a downside to this idea.

I don't think there is.
Bruce Arena v2006 not Bruce Arena v1996 shows up?

[Dogmatagram]

Not his finest hour, but then again the US was in a group with two of the top five teams in the world, and got the tournament's only result against the champion -- a man down. Arena couldn't control the officiating against Ghana, or Reyna's gaffe. And most importantly, DCU isn't the USMNT -- it's an MLS side. (Having said that, what suggests Bob Bradley is superior to Arena anyway?)

[Barbara]

Why would he want to come back?

[Dogmatagram]

Why would he want to come back?

For all I know, he wouldn't. I can think of three reasons why he might, however:

1) Money -- no salary cap on coaches, and MacFarlane just increased the team's cashflow by an absurd percentage

2) Rehabilitate his legacy / compete for European job

3) Relatedly, DCU -- unlike NYRB -- has as much quality as any MLS team can be expected to have.

I assume he would insist on a two year deal and come with a hefty price tag.

[Foousic]

This idea posed a year ago would have been laughable to me, but things obviously have changed recently and I agree in that we should evaluate the situation before it gets any worse. The guy can coach. He had some great years with us in the past, and he's available. We should do it. This team looks like it's going nowhere right now and there needs to be some big changes if they are to make an attempt at the post season this year.

All of this may seem drastic but for some perspective I'd like to employ a great quote from another former United boss... Ray Hudson.

“Without penetration, it’s just masturbation, and right now, we’re playing with ourselves."

I feel like that kind of sums up this organization right now. It's obvious somthing big needs to be done... someone just needs to do it. Sorry Tommy.

[Knave]

Bruce Arena v2006 not Bruce Arena v1996 shows up?

And, you know, given the development of the league Arena version 1996 wouldn't cut it these days either.

I'm not convinced this is the best idea because I don't think Arena's stock is what it used to be. In 1996 he was an innovative, creative coach compared with the rest of the league. In 2006 he brought nothing to the table. Same thing with 2002 compared to 2006. Yeah, sure, he's got a good reputation, but let's face it, since 2002 that reputation has not improved -- in fact, it's gone down.

I think we need a bold change. Arena isn't bold change.

[Dogmatagram]

And, you know, given the development of the league Arena version 1996 wouldn't cut it these days either.

I'm not convinced this is the best idea because I don't think Arena's stock is what it used to be. In 1996 he was an innovative, creative coach compared with the rest of the league. In 2006 he brought nothing to the table. Same thing with 2002 compared to 2006. Yeah, sure, he's got a good reputation, but let's face it, since 2002 that reputation has not improved -- in fact, it's gone down.

I think we need a bold change. Arena isn't bold change.

Fair enough. But who, then?

[Rjbatzler]

Yes, why not. Soehn just isn't working out, I feel like he has made the wrong player decisions. For example, not using Kirk, who fills a need at midfeild and who we traded a starting defender for, starting Mediate at Centerback, continualy playing Dyanchenko in important situations, ect. IMO we don't need an amazing coach, just someone who can make the right decisions and whip these players in to shape. Right now we need a coaching change and we should at least approach Arena. If someone better becomes available, we'll go for him.

Also I remember reading something on the boards about an interview on TV with Arena where he seemed open to coaching, can anyone fill me in on that?

[Bootsy Collins]

Bruce Arena v2006 not Bruce Arena v1996 shows up?
Or, for that matter, Bruce Arena v late 2006, or Bruce Arena v2007.

If we really really really envy the performance, and the toxic locker room atmosphere, of the Metros in 2006 and 2007, it's definitely the move to make.

[Th4119]

When is NY's locker room atmosphere anything but toxic?

[I_Eat_CBRs]

Like many here, I would have you were crazy a year ago. However, I think it is becoming clear this team needs a real change. I'm not in the "it's all Tommy's fault" boat. In fact, I think the problems are pretty much all in the front office moves. The players they got don't play for the shirt because they don't know what it means. They play for the check. However, we need change, and Arena is a known quantity. He's proven, and he has history here. Unless a big name Euro coach is available I think he's the obvious choice. There is no way Olsen or Gros would be entrusted with the team at this point. Marco may be another option that I could support though.

[owendylan]

I'm still trying to figure out if there is a downside to this idea.

I don't think there is.

That his bizarre behavior he has exhibited since the world cup would continue. I'm in favor of brining him back mainly because he's a known quantity and I think can be successful, but I'm open to Etcheverry. I don't think a European coach is the right way to go, although I'm very interested in how the Gullitt experiment in LA will work.

[DCSharksFC]

after the game today, i think the gullit experiment is just fine

if money ain't a problem, i'd take mourinho or rijkaard, screw it, throw all the money in the pot and let it kindle for a bit

if arena and money ain't a problem, we'd be holding out hope, arena teams need time to gel, our first season, we went what? 0-8, 0-6, b4 we got good? same for nyrb last year, and same for the usmnt, if our season is to be saved, we need a change of attitude that will translate to the field quickly, in year's past this wouldn't be the issue, but, ny, c-bus and chicago have a tight grip at the top and we've fallen behind dramatically, we can't afford the 7-8 games for the team to gel more

all seriousness aside, we already play a 4-5-1 when emilio is in, a 4-4-1, when moreno is tired

[Bonus_Game]

Yes he would by my #1 choice

[tab5g]

approach him, but don't offer his too much money.

i think he would love to coach this team again.

Payne and Arena have a good relationship. Would Arena be a good option for DC in 2008 (and beyond)? I think so.

Shep Messing interviewed Arena at halftime of the NY/KC game this past weekend, and Arena said he was interested in and open to the idea of coaching (in MLS) again.

[MattMathai]

I'm not convinced Arena is the savior. Don't let his winning here in the 90's cloud your judgement. Nothing about this team (besides the front office) resembles the team he left in 1998. I haven't seen anything in his recent history to indicate that he's the guy we need.

[shawn12011]

At this point all I am sure of is we don't need Soehn.

[asitis]

First off, let me say I'm a big Bruce Arena fan and have been since the late '70s when he first came to UVa. I don't pretend to know him well, but have followed his career for quite a while and Bruce has been successful wherever he's coached. He may not be the "soccergod" he was made out to be in 2002, but he's also not the idiot the press portrayed in 2006. Be a Metrobull hater, but I think most will agree that team was better after Bruce than before.

As noted, Bruce told Shep Messing that he'd be interested in being a coach or manager (I read in Front Office) again. I think he said he believed something would happen within a year. So it sounds like he's exploring opportunities. I also believe he still has a house in northern VA. And with his past relationship with Payne, I'd be surprised if they haven't spoken.

I'm not ready to throw Tommy overboard yet, as injuries, which he has no control over, have really hurt this team. But I think we're fast approaching a point where, given team dynamics, he can't turn it around. As a fan I just don't want to see the slow burning of the wRongen years.

I wouldn't mind at all seeing Bruce return and I'd like to see Marco as his assistant. Bruce has previously said that Marco would be a good coach and they seem to have a good reationship.

Right now, I'd keep Simpson. But I also think someone needs to take a hard look at Dave Kasper. He's done well identifying talent in SA, but we should have gotten a lot more out of the recent drafts.

asitis