Bruce Arena breaks silence, but doesn’t offer anything new about his Revolution resignation

The winningest coach in MLS history, who guided the US to two World Cup tournaments, Arena resigned as Revolution coach and sporting director last September.

After not speaking publicly for the past nine months, Bruce Arena has finally talked about the investigation that cost him his job as Revolution coach and sporting director. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)

By Mike Biglin, The Boston Globe

June 5, 2024

For the first time since his resignation from the Revolution last fall, Bruce Arena spoke publicly about the experience, calling it “hurtful” while not offering any new information about the allegations of “inappropriate and insensitive remarks” that cost the legendary coach his job in Foxborough.

Arena chose the CBS Sports Golazo Network’s “Kickin’ it” show to break his silence, joining former US men’s national team members Clint Dempsey, Charlie Davies, and Maurice Edu along with host Kate Abdo for a wide-ranging interview.

The 72-year-old former US coach told the panel he took responsibility for his actions, but “had to be reserved” about why he had to resign.

“If there’s a time where I can legally (share more information), I will do it. I would welcome that,” said Arena, who added he has had no contact with Revolution executives since his departure.

The winningest coach in MLS history, who also guided the United States to two World Cup tournaments, Arena resigned as Revolution coach and sporting director last September after he was placed on administrative leave while the league investigated the allegations of misconduct.

“I know that I have made some mistakes and moving forward, I plan to spend some time reflecting on this situation and taking corrective steps to address what has transpired,” Arena said in a statement at that time. “And while this has not been an easy decision, I am confident that it is in the best interest of both the New England Revolution organization and my family that we part ways at this time.”

As part of his departure, Arena would have to submit a petition to the commissioner if he wanted to coach again in MLS. On “Kickin’ It,” Arena said he did submit for reinstatement, and heard interest from multiple teams since then. He reportedly spoke with D.C. United last year when his former club was looking for a new coach.

“I’ve had conversations,” said Arena. “There was a little miscommunication in the league about my status. I was cleared in December, and no one knew that.”

While publicly no one knows the reasons for his forced departure, Arena said the players “know what went on” when Davies asked if he had a message for the US soccer community.

“Because of legal restrictions, I can’t talk,” said Arena. “The message to the people of New England is ‘I miss you.’ The people in Boston were great to me, wonderful people. The players were great, so I enjoyed my time there.

“I’m disappointed in the way things ended and how they ended, but I don’t have control of that.”

Arena said on the show that he is interested in “one more challenge,” suggesting he had gotten interest from some European teams. Asked if the resignation fueled his desire to return to the sideline, Arena agreed.

“If that’s the ending,” he said, “that’s a slap in the face.”

Arena also discussed the state of the US men’s team, the controversy that surrounded the squad with coach Gregg Berhalter and young forward Gio Reyna, the son of Arena’s former national team captain Claudio Reyna, as well as the players he likes on the current roster.