http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/article.php?article_id=8656 "In a lot of ways for me, the team already looks better than it was last year," he said. "But we have to wait and see."
Sorry, but Bruce is such a tool. "In every way," Arena said. "We did not have a good team. Our organization is greatly improved. There was absolutely nothing that Red Bull and I could build on in this organization. I think it was that poor -- from the technical side to off the field. We've been working to make it better and we have." (HELL, YOU KEPT MOST OF THE SAME TEAM!) He is so transparent in the God-complex regarding matters of Bruce, its ridiculous. He's a good/very good coach from history, but his PR agrandisements are getting tiring. It'll never be his fault guys, no matter what happens there. Trash everyone else to set the stage.
11 of 28 players from last years team are gone, so mathmatically you're right (for now). but that is quite a turnover to make a comment like that
There was absolutely nothing that Red Bull and I could build on in this organization. I think it was that poor -- from the technical side to off the field. We've been working to make it better and we have." It was pretty clear that he is referring to when he stepped in around August and it was a definite shot at AEG and Lalas and Mo. He has pointed out the total lack of infrastructure and players to build on many times. That said, 10 of the players who started in D.C are still on the team (one probably for not longer)
That's what I'm talking about. Bruce doesn't need to take that veiled shot and/or lower the bar as low as possible. These things turn into political campaigns (under guide of 'I'm speaking my mind') Of course, like any good spinster, he has just enough fact at his disposal to make it sound like a legitimate quote (well, except when he's really deep, deep in the hole). Basically, I wish Bruce would just focus on the game in interviews and continue to be the very good coach he is- vs. trying to constantly win the 'image war'.
What's the story on the two other Lewis interviews which he's refusing to disclose at the end of the piece?
Question for Bruce: Who brought in Wynne? Who brought in Altidore? Who brought in the backline? These were all very good finds, and some credit should be given. (if you are going to blast them)
I agree that the team is better already, mainly in our starting XI. The thing that I think is premature to say is that Bruce and co. has already built a system and base of players. No knock on him, as it first must start with the starting XI, which they are doing. I'm happy with the moves so far as we now have more leadership and experience in guys like Reyna, Schoop, and Walrus all with respective national team experience. The next step is building the whole system of players to turn the franchise into youth developing machine. I think there has been promising results so far in players like Altidore and Jossimar Sanchez staying in the RB youth system over the Bradenton, FL residency program. Continued development of this system with state of the art training grounds and such can produce some serious young talent. The north NJ and NY City area I think is one of the top (if not the best) local field of potential talent of all the MLS cities. This alternative can give kids the inside track to an MLS roster while being able to stay home (see Sanchez's story) http://njmg.typepad.com/sbi/2007/02/red_bulls_youth.html I think this is the future of the team and the way that we build a solid organization in terms of on the field product. Marketing is another whole beast which I won't comment on.
Agreed, Bruce is being a bit harsh here. He should give some credit where credit is due. I just am happy with his turnover of the team so far. Even though he may not acknowledge it (his personality trait), at least he has not gotten rid of any of those guys. I think his actions speak louder than his words, he knows those guys are quality young talent he must build around.
Considering all of them are still on the squad...perhaps these are not the players he was refering to
yes and I think in general he was referring more to training methods, practice facilities, scheduling, club atmoshpere, etc...
How can it be the truth? ('you left me with nothing': Bruce) The cupboard was mediocre, but not bare. Altidore and Wynne may turn out to be spectacular. I'm sure Bruce will take full credit too- if and when that time comes. If Johnny X turns out to be one of the best American playmakers of his time, does Bruce take full credit for an effort begun years ago, etc. I tire of Bruce's 'me against the world' act for several years now...didn't this past summer show you something about his style? (how he assesses blame to others during failure). He let the whole 2002 thing go to his head, IMO.
I'll judge him on whether he can build a good team up there within the next year, or two, rather than on how I rate his "blame assessment".
The whole country expected US to do better or finish where we were in Korea. Anyway.....the season hasnt even started yet and you are trashing the team. Do u think we got better, worse or are we the same.
I am picking Red Bull to be near the top of East. I think you will start fast, fade a little in the middle- sit in 2nd come August. After that, don't know (its up to the players) I think Red Bull would have improved at end of season ANYWAY, but I do think Bruce helped them improve more.. I think the additions have been good, but I was expecting a top star to make you the clear favorite. Bruce's timing (taking the job) was great, in that the team was underacheiving relative to talent, and was due a bounce. The games I saw, there was some funky stuff (they would play well, but then not get a break, etc.) before Bruce- but then they wouldn't play materially better, and yet turn 1-3 scores into 3-1. Also, Bruce benefits from (basically no expectations when he took over for last season) AND these young talents growing up. I think there is every reason to be optimistic, so I don't understand Bruce spending any ounce of energy trying to move the starting goalpost to make himself look better. It was totally unnecessary and quite honestly, not truthful. He didn't inherit New Orleans the day after Katrina, but you'll be hearing him quoted (as if he did) I don't think he learned much from the WC 2006 media fiasco. I repeat: He's still a very good coach. But I do intend to call him on his BS. He got a free ride for several years there.
Great stuff. Described BA to an absolute T. I wish RB well, and will be back in the area again this year to go to some matches and get season tix for next year, but I have to admit he is a TOOL and a half. You just explained why perfectly. The guy is a coward and definitiely insecure & petty. His WCup actions showed this. Just coach. You have screwed up more than enough and shown your limitations as a coach more than enough Mr. Genuis. Just lucky you work in a country where 95% of the fans still have little clue about it. Anywhere else in the world you would be ridiculed for your words with your obvious errors and knowledge limitations. Only in America. Sigh. A true tool.
Again, great post. BA is a good coach here in the US, but he is cowardly, insecure and petty. That much is clear.
I find some US fans- those who expected the moon but ended up with some dust, then attacked whatever moved, especially the coach- I find them to be cowardly insecure and petty. Where do you coach Zoid?
By organization, I'm pretty sure he means everything supporting the team. Most of his critism seems targeted at lack of practice facilities, poor team organization, poor equipment, etc. Also, last year, who was held responsible for team leadership? Captaincy is not just an armband handed out before a game. Read into it what you like, but I agree with Bruce. Last year, our team was CRAP. We barely squeeked into the playoffs, and choked whenever it mattered most. Are you forgetting this? Or is being CRAP exactly what you like about our team (wait, are you even a RB fan?) Instead of asking how many of the starting 11 on the last game of the season are still around, we should ask how many of the starting 11 before Bruce are still around? Meola, Henderson, Guevara, Buddle, ORourke are all gone. That's almost half the freakin team. (I'm not counting Djorkaeff.) Say what you will about his ego and his personality, when he called the team last year crap, he wasn't wrong.
I can understand if people don't like the way Bruce Arena uses his interview time and spew out why it was bad or worse before and why he is going to make it better. If you believe he is intentionally trying to knock down some people and use it for gloating time for his past victories either at the Club & or Country level. You don't like it. To harsh. No credit to finding some of the explosive players this club has currently on the roster from the last regime. I understand what Goalzo is saying and of course he has every right to express his frustration. But I also believe in Bruce Arena and I can ignore his "arrogance" because for me and I also believe it's for everyone else the most important thing he has done is continue to put up positive & winning results. Yes this past World Cup wasn't pleasent & I was critical of his formation and lack of choosing his starting 11 and at the same time he disciplined some of the players that either gave up or choosed not to perform well inspite of Bruce with their negative comments inbetween World Cup matches(DMB & Convey I'm talking about). But I do agree that this club has improved with the proper players in leadership roles & we don't have to worry to much about having another Guevara temper tantrum anymore in the middle of the field with either the officitating crew or the head coach. So all I can tell you good folks is to ignore the arrogance of Bruce Arena and allow him to build our club into a strong and tough side. So far I truly believe that we have a strong starting 11, of course a bit thin at forward & maybe a lack of punch with substitutes coming off the bench, but if our current drafts from Indi & the Supplimental can fill in admirably, this squad can do some magic this season.