CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan lauded the appointment of Bob Bradley to English Premier League side Swansea City
On Monday, Bradley became the first American coach to lead an EPL squad when he became the new coach of Swansea City. Bradley has a special connection to Arena after serving on the Galaxy bosses’ staff during their time at the University of Virginia.
“I think it’s tremendous. I think Americans can coach in that league and I think Bob will demonstrate his qualities to everyone,” Arena said. “There’s never been a question regarding Bob’s quality as a coach. That’s always been there. He’s always aspired to achieve and get better throughout his career he’s demonstrated that.”
Donovan, who joined Swansea’s ownership group in an advisory role in August, told reporters on Tuesday that he was asked about several potential coaching candidates including his former U.S. National Team coach and provided his “honest opinion” on all of them.
“I think it’s really exciting for all of us who love the sport who care about it. I’m sure it will be met with some trepidation and caution, but that’s what happened when the first Americans went over to the play in the EPL,” Donovan said. “I’m very happy for him personally. I think it’s a great opportunity and Bob knows better than anyone that he has to prove himself now. He’s wanted this opportunity, and now he has it.
“First and foremost, he’s honest. He’s never going to play games. He doesn’t manipulate in any way. If he has an issue with something, he says it. Everyone is held accountable in the same way, and nobody gets special treatment. And that’s important,” Donovan added. “That’s important in a locker room with world-class players like Swansea has. That will help him, I think, given that he’s honest and forthright. He’s been around the game forever and has been successful in everything he’s done, and I expect this to be the same.”
