The legendary soccer coach was candid and believes his philosophy was shaped more by Americans than coaches from Europe and South America
Arena credits American coaches across major sports for his developmentHe praises the quality of current MLS coaching landscapeArena also predicts elite future for American soccerGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Legendary American coach Bruce Arena believes coaches from the U.S. are underrated – even compared to their peers from soccer powerhouses in Europe and South America.
"Yes, I don’t doubt that at all," Arena said when asked if he believes American coaches are disrespected or not respected at all, during an appearance on Alexi Lalas’ podcast. "And I tell these stories frequently, when I went abroad and met with coaches and sat down with them, and I was kind of surprised at where they’re at.
"And I still say to this day, I’ve learned more by talking with a coach in the NFL, the NBA, or Baseball than I have speaking with coaches in Europe or South America. And I think coaching in our country is simply outstanding, it really is."
Arena also expressed optimism about the future of U.S. soccer, pointing to the growing strength of coaching across the country.
"Have we trailed a little bit in our sport [Football]? Yes, but today you know, I look around the league and there’s some great American coaches in our league and I know that better than anybody because I’ve been around these guys for a number of years," he said. "We have some simply outstanding coaches in the league, and I think they have a great future, and our sport and our national team programs are going to be elite one day. I have no doubt about that."
Arena’s comments carry weight given his extensive experience in the American game. The legendary coach spent time with more than half a dozen MLS teams and led the U.S. men’s national team from 1998 to 2006 and again in 2016-17, crossing paths with some of modern football’s top coaching minds along the way. He is still the only U.S. manager to take the team to the World Cup quarterfinals in the modern era.
AdvertisementWHAT BRUCE ARENA SAIDTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Arena's comments reflect a growing confidence in American soccer's developing tactical and philosophical identity. This is echoed by Jesse Marsch’s success across Europe and Canada among others.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
For Arena and San Jose Earthquakes, they continued their MLS season with a 1-1 draw over the Columbus Crew, which kept them in 10th place in the Western Conference. They have 10 points after as many games and have lost just twice in their last six games, a streak that includes two wins and as many draws. They face Portland Timbers next on May 3 before hosting Sacramento Republic in the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup on May 7.