FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It was a big step for sporting director Bruce Arena as he began his first day taking over head coaching responsibilities on Tuesday, and it was also a giant leap for the New England Revolution as they continue their transformation into a new era of leadership.
The Revs have been through a rollercoaster of a month with various managerial changes, but in recent weeks the storm has started to calm as they are unbeaten in three league games, and the players are eager to finally start learning from one of the winningest coaches in the country.
“[Arena] came in and spoke to us as a group [about] his expectations and what he liked about our group and what we’ve done these last few games, and things that we need to do to move forward to become a better team,” said Brad Knighton as he reflected upon Arena’s first day of training. "That starts with being in the locker room and building a group within what we have already. He put the foundation down for that, and we’re looking to put the foundation, like I said, on the field here today.”
Laying this groundwork is part of the gradual approach that Arena plans to use as he integrates his coaching style into training.
“I need to, one, put a name to every face here, which still I have not accomplished yet,” said Arena. “And then two, understand each player’s strengths and weaknesses, and thirdly, piece them together the right way to give us a chance to be successful.”
While Arena is studying the ins and outs of the Revolution squad, the team in turn is learning Arena’s style, as well.
“It was intense,” said Andrew Farrell following Arena’s first training session. “It was short and sharp, and just getting some of the things he wants to incorporate into the team. He’s kind of getting used to us as players. He’s been watching the past few games, and so incorporating what he wants to add to things going forward.”
What is evident as everyone acclimates to this exciting time is that players already have a massive amount of respect for Arena. With the winning culture he has carried throughout his career - including five MLS Cup championships, three Supporters' Shields, more than four decades of coaching experience, combined with three Gold Cup titles and two World Cup appearances with the U.S. National Team - the Revs know that if they buy into Arena’s philosophies, the sky is the limit moving forward.
“I think we’re all very optimistic,” said Teal Bunbury with regards to the new coaching regime. “I think as players we want to play for a coach that obviously wants us to win and has a huge pedigree and has gotten the job done on every stage of the sport, so we’re really excited and we think things definitely can turn around.”
One of the aspects that the players are looking forward to with Arena is that he makes sure that each person knows exactly where he fits within his system.
“Everyone knows their specific role – whether it’s David Beckham, or Robbie Keane, or Gyasi Zardes – these guys knew their specific role within Bruce’s system, and I feel like he’s going to find those players within our group and try and maximize their qualities like he did with those players in LA,” said Knighton.
With that type of track record, the players are looking forward to the opportunity they now have to learn from Arena.
“Bruce is a winning guy," said Knighton. "He wins at everything he does, whether it be the collegiate level, whether it be the professional level, whether it be the international level. He’s always won wherever he’s gone, so I think for the group right now that’s something that we thrive on. We’re looking to get back into winning ways, and he’s the right man for the job.”
