Bruce Back for Bulls.
He deserves our respect. But not our pity.
So Bruce Arena is the new coach of the New York Red Bulls. According to the RBNY press release, he takes control on August 12. Which means his first game is August 16 against, yes, DC United.
However, that game is in the Meadowlands. RBNY doesn't visit RFK until September. So let's talk about that. How do you react to Bruce coming back?
First, no booing him in the introductions. I'm serious. He deserves an ovation for his work here. Now, after they announce the team and coaches, you can root like hell against him. And yes, that means tossing insults and razzing Bruce just like any other player or Metro/RBNY coach once the whistle is blown until the end of the game. During that time, he's on the other side. But when he's introduced, give him a heartfelt cheer. He's earned it. And think of it as a way to say goodbye.
posted by D @ 9:44 AM
8 Comments:
I will give Arena much applause.
I am interested to see how he will deal with adversity at RBNY. Let there be no doubt, regardless of his coaching ability, there are going to be disappointing moments for Bruce this season as well as in the future with RBNY. I think it is fair to evaluate him in these moments. We all know how he has been successful at every level of the sport in this country (college, pro, international). I was disappointed in his behavior over the summer when this success did not continue. Will he take responsibility, or will he blame his players, the referees, and the MLS?
Also, when Arena steps down as US Coach, does he also give up his seat on the league’s competition committee? Is this a chair for Bruce or the Men’s National Team coach?
Dear Maradawga -
Just wait a few days.
The real question is, what will be the new name of "Bruce's Belly" ?
Banner suggestion:
"Thanks for everything, Bruce. But now you die."
A good suggestion over at Big Soccer: have a "Thanks, Bruce" banner up for all the pre-game stuff. Then, as soon as the ball is touched, cover that up with the next banner: "Bruce: You're Dead to Us Now".
I do agree that all of us DCU and MNT fans should feel grateful to Bruce for what he's done. But I'm also looking forward to bringing the heat back to the DCU/NYRB rivalry.
Off topic, but was yours the blog that had those great graphs showing the number of points teams had earned during the season? If so, I'd love to see more of those. Always enjoy your blog.
-p (seems the appropriate way to sign)
Anon: Yes, that's me. The graphs a bit out of date, but I am updating them.
All: Agree on the banner subsititutions.
Looks like Harkes is going with Bruce.
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