I agree. I'm wondering what it means if Arena does work here. Is MLS/USSF/SUM sending us someone they still hold in high regard or damaged goods?
The best part of this thread is it is/was relevant for about the entire lifespan of BigSoccer. I applaud Hang's consideration for the environment by creating a self-sustaining thread like this.
You know, I have no love for il Bruce but you have to admit he's not an idiot. It's hard to say that you'd want him anywhere near developing young players, seeing as how he's never done it, preferring to bring in old graybeards to combine with foreign grantees. No room for kids. Bruce wants to win today. Period But he knows players, he knows MLS, he knows a bunch of stuff. As long as I don't have to look at that punchable face, I dont care. Ali Curtis would be a home run. My biggest concern would be giving Arena enough authority to get on his way.
It's easier for me to imagine Anthony Precourt buying a house in Columbus than Bruce Arena. Nope, I just can't see it.
Calling him an idiot might be harsh but overrated and over the hill might be accurate. Let's look at his National Team performance. Great in 02, a disappointment in 06 and a disaster in 17. Let's look at him as a club coach. Early DC United, NY and LA. For those kiddies here that may not remember the early days of the league DC was a darling. Hard to believe today but they were coddled heavily by the league. I don't think I need to mention NY or LA's league status. Point being, Bruce has always had the league to back him up and still failed with the Galaxy at the end. The game has passed him by and I'm not sure if he has anything left to offer. It's best if we don't hire the guy.
Not saying I want to hire him, but I think you're giving him short shrift here. He has an impressive resume by most any stretch.
I was meaning you weren't seeming to give him much credit for creating min-dynasties at D.C. and LA, intimating that it was league favor instead. Disagreeing the the "overrated" portion of the comment. I'd say you were underrating him.
I don't give him nearly the credit he receives because I doubt he could build those teams without league favors. When the top brass is willing to bend, break and make rules for one office while providing it a much larger budget than other offices it should succeed. Either way, his ideas about the game are clearly dated and I'm not sure what he can offer at this point.
While puttputt has been singing my gospel about Arena, I will say that if we have the three role setup that's been suggested, maybe... maybe... Arena could provide value in the top role based on his long resume. But I'd rather we try someone else that has a proven track record in that role.
I actually agree with this. Provided that the top role is supervising the cleaning out the concession stands and bathrooms that Precourt let rot and mold during his final years in charge. Maybe he bring some of his trusted men like Richie Williams to provide the extra elbow grease needed.