A letter to Bruce Arena

Dear Bruce,

In 2002, you achieved the greatest feat ever accomplished by the us coach. in doing so, you effectively marked the zenith of your career- - and the inevitable downfall which would follow.

I, for one, will never forget McBride’s diving header against Portugal or Reyna’s cross to seal the goal against Mexico—unfortunately it seems neither could you.

By Germany 2006, your gutsy tactical and personal decisions which contributed so much to our achievements in 2002 had given way to an over reliance on players slowed by age and injury. Hell, even Brian McBride, one of your most experienced men, remarked the team was un prepared for the 3-0 drubbing against the Czech Republic.

As English coach Harry Redknapp recently stated in response to Fabio Capello’s appointment as manager “a successful coach is first a good manager of players” and
whether coaching a pub team or the NATs, inspiring a team is central to success on and off the field.

So what happened to your ability to rally the troops? You lost your edge Bruce, you lost the eye of the tiger. But then how can I blame you.

While European and even South American managers often parlay international success in to employment in Europe, the best you could hope for—much like players of old—can hope for is a return to MLS glory. But even here, your days are number.

While salary caps and player restrictions may support American players in MLS, coaches are afforded no such luxury. Ruud Guillt’s multi-million dollar appoint has captured the headlines this season, but no fewer than half of MLS teams employed foreign coaches last season.

But with top flight jobs swallowed up by foreigners and former pros, where does this leave American coaches? If you really want to go to Europe, now is the time!

With the number of connections you have forged in recent years, you could easily spend a few years as a coach at Rangers, Man City or another reasonably sized club.

It is important to note that many of your former pupils (Bob Bradley, former Chicago Fire coach Dave Sarachan and a number of others) all rode your success to coaching careers of their own. striking out on their own.

The same is true about managing on an elite level. It is said that one factor in Capello’s appointment was the personal relationship he formed with FA members at a recent coaching summit.

As opposed to high stakes pro appointments, doing so, would allow you American coach to build relationships, win the respect of players and forge a CV abroad.

But would you be willing to swallow your pride? Probably not. But the bottom line is the only way you (or any US coach) will continue to manage in this country or abroad in the future is by continuing to pay your dues.

I think we can all agree that we miss “The Bruce” who once shined as an inspiring example of what a coach should be. So how can you swallow your pride and find your way back to coaching? Here a few highly unlikely suggestions:

1. Attend coaching clinics: Networking and contacts are invaluable
2. Play the assistant: Sometimes experience is worth more than money. Walter Smith is only a phone call away.
3. Give us some credit- Not once last season did you address or thank NYRB fans for their support. Come on Bruce, we are humans too.
4. Admit when you are wrong- Look, I actually supported the move to bring Reyna to NYRB. But if a player is questionable with injury going in to a vital game (2nd playoff match against NE) you bench him. Capiche?
5. Lose weight- Ok, I am a personal trainer so I had to throw this one in there. But seriously Bruce, a new haircut and image makeover could be just the ticket to wooing the Scottish FA.