Arena Officially Unveiled In L.A.

Looking to turn around their 2008 season, the Los Angeles Galaxy have turned to former U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bruce Arena, who was unveiled as the team’s new head coach and general manager on Monday. He will fill the roles of recently departed former GM Alexi Lalas and head coach Ruud Gullit, who left the team exactly one week ago.“I am very excited to assume this position with the Los Angeles Galaxy,” Arena said. “I realize we have a lot of work ahead of us and I am optimistic that with the support of management, our coaching staff and the players, we will move forward to positioning this team to qualify for this season’s MLS playoffs. My ultimate goal is to win championships and build a club that all of our fans will be proud of.”

Arena brings with him an impressive American soccer résumé, having been the most successful coach of the U.S. MNT in history, combined with his back-to-back MLS Cup wins with D.C. United in 1996 and 1997. Following the 2006 World Cup, it was announced that Arena’s contract would not be renewed, allowing him to join the New York Red Bulls organization. After a mediocre year-and-a-half in the Big Apple, Arena took a break from coaching, having compiled a 16-16-10 record with the Red Bulls.

Overall, Arena’s MLS coaching record stands at 91-56-12; with nine more wins, he will become the third coach in MLS history to have 100 wins to his credit. That kind of success is exactly the reason that AEG wanted to bring him to the Galaxy.

“Bruce is the best coach for the Galaxy and certainly one of the best coaches in the history of the league,” said Tim Leiweke, President & CEO of AEG. “I am impressed with his passion, desire and focus and believe that his recent experiences with the U.S. National Team and Red Bulls have prepared and motivated him for this next challenge.

“We have always felt that the Galaxy should aspire to be the club that sets the pace and tone in Major League Soccer,” continued Leiweke. “I believe Bruce sees it the same way and will put us back in that position.”