I have wondered for years... who in heck is BRUCE ARENA anyway? (the US coach), in soccer terms?.... Was he a great player in a decent team somewhere?... Why is he the couch of the US Team? What is the criteria? I am not trying to blame him, alone. The whole American Soccer scene has produced nothing of substance really. But Arena, is certainly an important piece of puzzle. Why not import a first class couch from somewhere?... Someone who has actually won something. Someone who can tech a system? The US, seem confused in their playing, they seem to try to play all styles (short slow game, long fast as well), but can not master either... Now it would be nice if they combine the two styles, the melting pot of soccer styles so to speak... I truly want to know what you think on this.
Bruce Arena was successful as a coach at the University of Virginia (I believe), and parlayed that into a great run as the coach of DC United during their early glory years. After the US World Cup collapse in 1998, he was the most accomplished professional US coach around so he got the job. They did good in 2002, but it might be time for a change.
IMHO Bruce Arena accomplished miracles taking our team to the quarterfinals and then outplaying Germany (at least according to Franz Beckenbauer) in 2002. We surprised teams then; nobody misunderestimates us now.
If anything the USA has overachieved in the World Cup. We don't have players good enough to play for teams challenging in the Champions League. McBride might be the MVP of Fulham, but it's still Fulham, not Chelsea or Arsenal or Man U or Liverpool.
I don't think that managing the USA is a very attractive position for a top-quality European coach. We couldn't afford to pay them anyway. Imagine Phil Jackson coaching the Spanish National team.
I don't believe anyone can assume that replacing Arena will result in a better hire.