U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday the appointment of Bruce Arena to head coach of the United States men’s national team, replacing ousted boss Jurgen Klinsmann and creating a potential shakeup for one of Major League Soccer's most successful clubs.
Arena previously coached the USMNT from 1998-2006 and is the most decorated head coach in American soccer history with a 71-30-29 record. He will formally begin on Dec. 1.
“Any time you get the opportunity to coach the national team it’s an honor,” said Arena. “I’m looking forward to working with a strong group of players that understand the challenge in front of them after the first two games of the Hex. Working as a team, I’m confident that we’ll take the right steps forward to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”
Arena spent the previous eight seasons as general manager and head coach of the LA Galaxy, where he won three MLS Cups and two Supporters Shields. It's unclear who will take over in LA for Arena after his departure and that of associate head coach Dave Sarachan earlier this month. Arena's departure is the latest in a series of shakeups for the club, who also said goodbye to international stars Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane after they were eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs earlier this month by the Colorado Rapids.
Klinsmann, meanwhile, had coached the USMNT from 2011 until Monday, when he was relieved of his duties. After two games, the U.S. currently sit in last place in the Hexagonal round of CONCACAF 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying with games set to resume in march.
“When we considered the possible candidates to take over the men’s national team at this time, Bruce was at the top of the list,” U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said. “His experience at the international level, understanding of the requirements needed to lead a team through World Cup qualifying, and proven ability to build a successful team were all aspects we felt were vital for the next coach. We all know Bruce will be fully committed to preparing the players for the next eight qualifying games and earning a berth to an eighth-straight FIFA World Cup in Russia.”
Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey and Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard are the only current USMNT players to play under Arena for the national team, but Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzalez have both played for Arena at the club level.
