MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena believes that the Guinness International Champions Cup has a future in the United States.
The Galaxy concluded their participation in the exhibition tournament’s inaugural edition on Thursday with a fourth place finish after a 2-0 defeat to AC Milan. Over the two week competition, LA—who was the only MLS club to participate—tested themselves against the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan, and came out with a 1-2-0 record.
Before he turned his focus to Sunday’s MLS match against FC Dallas, Arena admitted that the tournament should be here to stay.
“I think so. I think in the United States it has been demonstrated for more than 20 years now that we have fans of European football, no question about it. And they want to see these great team and great players, and they come out in great numbers,” said Arena. “You can’t argue that. Tonight I think they are going to have 65,000 people here [They actually had 67,273 for the championship match]. I think it’s a tournament that could have a great future in this country.”
As the tournament continues to grow and bring different European powers to the U.S., the Galaxy boss believes that it is paramount for MLS clubs to continue to participate.
“I think it was a great, great opportunity for us, and for a tournament like this you should have American teams playing,” he said.
