CARSON, Calif. – Bruce Arena is departing the LA Galaxy for the U.S. National Team, but the former head coach and general manager believes his old team is in good hands heading into 2017.
Arena was officially named the new head coach of the USMNT on Tuesday, replacing his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann, who was relieved of his duties a day earlier. The 65-year-old leaves the Galaxy after an eight-year tenure that saw his teams three times crowned MLS Cup champions while also reaching the postseason in eight straight seasons.
Arena’s move to the U.S. Soccer becomes finalized on Dec. 1, but the new USMNT boss revealed that the Galaxy are already hard at work rebuilding for the season ahead.
“I think they’re in very good shape. We developed a plan for 2017, and we’ve been moving along, checking all the boxes. I think they’re in really good shape with the returning group coming back and the Designated Player prospects as well as the TAM [Targeted Allocation Money] player prospects.
“We have an extensive list, and we’ve done a lot of work and we’re already looking at this point for two or three players to sign. I think the team will be ready to go and have a successful 2017 season.”
