Friday, March 17, 2006
Who's the Co-Pilot?
It's hard to imagine any one else coaching the U.S. National Team other than Bruce Arena. Sure, I can still see Bora and his goofy smirk or Steve Sampson and his linebacker profile stalking the sidelines. But Arena's national teams have come to signify worldwide respect by the soccer community. Well, I'm sure there are many corners who still relegate us to hacks, but it's to the point now that no matter what anyone says, the team's performances speak for themselves. So once Bruce decides to move on, after this Cup or the next or the next, who would likely succeed him? More to the point, would that person be from the domestic ranks or an international hire? If we had to replace Bruce this July, who would be a likely candidate...Bob Bradley (kicked out of NJ)? Steve Sampson again (ha! but his '05 resume is hard to beat)? John Harkes (straight from the announcer's booth)? Mooch Myernick? Sven-Goran (unemployed)? Tony DiCicco (ladies with an attitude)? At this point, as the previous list implies, there's no one who seems worthy or likely to me. But there must be an heir to the throne eventually. (Bostrom)
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How about Keller? He's going to retire in a few years and I think he would be a perfect candidate. Even though he's a GK, he's got a good personality and perspective to handle this job. He's smart and very personable with a unique background of having played overseas for several years and in different countries.
I think that absent a terrible performance by the US, Arena will have this job through the 2010 WC. (George)
I think that absent a terrible performance by the US, Arena will have this job through the 2010 WC. (George)
I think Bradley's stock has fallen a lot as a result of the NY debacle. Makes you wonder who was behind the Chicago success, him or Nowak?
Mooch? He's an assistant at best. Next thing you know people will want to give the job to Dave Dir.
Sampson? That's not even funny. Never again.
Surprised you didn't say Wrongen, they gave him the U-20 job after all. We'll be lucky that he doesn't screw up the next generation. How does he get coaching jobs anymore?
When Arena was at DC he dominated the league. Everybody was working off the same budget and he was able to build a dynasty. That was a sure sign of his ability. I think that MLS is prooving to be an excellent training ground for coaches, because unlike baseball or the EPL you can't say that one team is better because it has more money to spend.
Thus, I think that Steve Nichol is currently the best candidate to replace Bruce. Whether anyone has the balls to give him the job is a different question.
Mooch? He's an assistant at best. Next thing you know people will want to give the job to Dave Dir.
Sampson? That's not even funny. Never again.
Surprised you didn't say Wrongen, they gave him the U-20 job after all. We'll be lucky that he doesn't screw up the next generation. How does he get coaching jobs anymore?
When Arena was at DC he dominated the league. Everybody was working off the same budget and he was able to build a dynasty. That was a sure sign of his ability. I think that MLS is prooving to be an excellent training ground for coaches, because unlike baseball or the EPL you can't say that one team is better because it has more money to spend.
Thus, I think that Steve Nichol is currently the best candidate to replace Bruce. Whether anyone has the balls to give him the job is a different question.
# posted by 
: 2:13 PM CST
: 2:13 PM CST
How about Guus Hiddink? Every national team he touches turns to gold. He even took South Korea to the semis in '02 which is amazing when you really think about it.
In order to do this, he would have to get out of his future contract with Russia, but all that would take would be Bob Kraft giving another one of his Super Bowl rings to Putin. (George)
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In order to do this, he would have to get out of his future contract with Russia, but all that would take would be Bob Kraft giving another one of his Super Bowl rings to Putin. (George)
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