Soccer Hall of Famer voices concerns over US Soccer's coach hiring approach, as well as USMNT's on-field performance
Arena stresses importance of cultural understandingExpresses shock at USMNT losses to Panama and CanadaWarns time is running out before 2026 World CupGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Longtime coach and soccer stalwart Bruce Arena criticized both U.S. soccer for its hiring approach, as well as recent performances on the the pitch by manager Mauricio Pochettino's side. The USMNT dropped two matches in the recent CONCACAF Nations League, losing to Panama in the semifinals and then to Canada in the third-place match.
US Soccer hired Pochettino, the former Chelsea coach, after firing Gregg Beherhalter in the wake of the USMNT's early exit from the 2024 Copa America. Arena, the winningest coach in MLS history and current San Jose Earthquakes boss, told Unfiltered Soccer podcast hosts Landon Donovan and Tim Howard that "coaching international football is different than club football."
“You know if you look at every national team in the world, the coaches usually are domestic coaches," Arena said. "And I think when you have coaches that don’t know our culture, our environment and our players, it’s hard. I’m sure our coach is a very good coach, but coaching international football is different than club football, it’s a completely different job.
“And I think when you’re a national team coach, you need to know your environment, you need to know the animals you coach, and we’re lacking that. If you’re an American coach in a U.S. team, you know the culture, you know the pride and how important the national team is. I think when you bring in somebody from the outside, they don’t understand it, especially in our country, because we’re so different."
Arena warned that, with few opportunities for competitive matches between now and the 2026 World Cup, the clock is ticking for Pochettino's side to solve the issues that plagued the team in the Nations League.
“You asked me, do we lack that kind of pride?" Arena said. "I mean I’m watching and I’m shocked that we can’t beat Panama and Canada. It was shocking to me. And I don’t want to be disrespectful, as I want them to do great in the World Cup, but we only have a year left now. Time is running out and they gotta get going.”
AdvertisementWHAT BRUCE ARENA SAIDTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The USMNT lost both Nations League fixtures, 1-0 to Panama and then 2-1 to Canada. They will play in the Gold Cup this summer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Ahead of the 2025 Gold Cup in June, the USMNT will face Turkey and Switzerland in friendlies, on June 7 and 10, respectively.
