You would have to say that Bruce Arena has shown in his work with the US Men's team that he is a great coach. As of now the job is his as long as he wants it. But men like that often want new challenges. What would be the next logical job for him, a top club team (IPL, Mexican League, Italian)? Or a higher-profile national team (Qatar, Mexico, Venezuala, or Italy)? Or would he step up from coaching to owning a team or holding some upper-level soccer job- Sepp Blatter, move over.
Well, aside from some of those national team choices being extremely dubious, I think this is a pretty good question. After the next World Cup, I'd expect one of two things from Arena. One, having proven his coaching abilities in two world cups and lifted America to respectability, Arena goes to try his hand at a European club team, most likely in England. Probably not a top club team, but an ambitious middle of the road one that's willing to take a risk and appoint an American manager. Otherwise, I'd expect him to take a prominent position, administrator, etc. in running US Soccer. I think the odds of him taking over another national team are pretty small, and there's pretty much no way he's political enough to get any kind of job in FIFA. He'd alienate the entire federation in a week.
I don't see Bruce enjoying life behind a desk too much . . . I wondered this as well, but after the last WC. I was slightly surprised that nobody like a Coventry, West Ham, or Forest stepped in and offered him a reasonable chunk of change. Methinks if he sees similar success next time, such a scenario is far more likely, not only because his stock will be much higher, but becuase he will want that change of scenery. I, for one, would chip in a 20 to the USSF to convince him to stay. If we can get 100,000 BS posters to join with me, I'm pretty sure we can fight off those English b*stards.
What about the prospects of him just retiring early? I'm not as convinced as everyone else that he's going to want to up and move to Europe to coach a club team there.
In an interview with BA he said if he could coach any club in the world he would choose Arsenal - leads me to believe he'd like to coach in the EPL some day. Arsenal might be a bit lofty of a goal though. I could see him in the EPL for a mid-upper table team though.
Bruce Arena proved another point last night... he is a tactical genius when it comes to personel. His ability to switch formations so as to maximize each player's ability to influence the game was on display tonight. Yes, the players did the work and a couple players came out looking like rockstars, but ultimately it is a belief in a system of play that help provide the confidence that you saw displayed against Mexico.
Bruce has said, I think in an SI article at WC 2002, that he would be interested in coaching in England. For the life of me, I don't know why a team from over there hasn't stepped up. He'd be a great pick. ANd this from someone who was saying he should think about resigning a couple of weeks ago.
qhy would he want to coach in qatar venezuela or mexico?? all these teams are worse than the us. and why would he coach in the mexican league. everybody there hates him. (although they would probably love him for leaving the us team.)
He is on record as saying he wants to coach in England. It will take another good US run in 2006 to get him a job, however. He has succeeded whereever he has been--college, MLS, the WC. I expect that would continue.
Right. You know, after he released the roster for the game, I was thinking what the flunk is he doing? But, after watching the players he called in and the way they dictated the pace of the game, and how they made the box mid 442 so effective, I take my hat off to him. It was brilliant. Well done Bruce.
But of course!! Teach some other coaches here in USA how to put together a team and succesfully coaches.....But before I go too far kissing Bruce a#s, Bruce please take your time with some others players and have them as good as the boys that play mexico on Dallas
Personally, I think it will take another successful run in the World Cup to attract the attention of any European team. I'm sorry, but in my mind, they have to be wondering if he has it or if it was a one time fluke. He does it again, and I would say he gets a few offers. I'd love to see Bruce get the chance, because I think we have two quality coaches in the MLS ranks to pick up where he leaves off. Dave Sarachan and Bob Bradley both look like they could do a great job with the National Team. Of course there is another option to all this. The speaking engagement route. I know Bruce already does this. But if he shows he is gold once again, his price will go up that much more. And companies and organizations love paying highly successful people to speak to their employees and members. People want to know what they did to make themselves gold and try and use that information to their advantage. Olympic gold medalists do this, as do successful politicians and business people. There is tons of money in it. -jim
I was a little bit concern about Kiro but it seem like The Galaxy is filing off some of the rust acumulated in Europe....Hey Kiro even you can get your buddy off the grass and run.....good luck.....