Bruce Arena: I’ve said "inappropriate and distasteful" things

The last time former U.S. Men’s National Team coach, Bruce Arena, spoke to Grant Wahl, I went after him, labeling him “self-loathing and delusional.”

In the context of that interview and Arena’s recent New York Times interview (which, it should be noted, was ignored in this space) I stand by those assertions. However, if we are to believe what he said to Grant Wahl on Thursday, it seems that Bruce has finally started to see things my way:

“There’s only one person at fault here,” he said. “I’ve got to be big enough to admit a mistake. I’ve got to move on. We’ve all got to move on. I had eight great years. I don’t know why the hell I don’t think I didn’t and should express things differently. I’ll continue as long I remain in soccer to challenge the direction we’re going — but try to do it better than in these last two interviews.”

This is a striking statement for two reasons. First, it is 180 degrees from his comments during the last two interviews, during which Bruce foisted blame and responsibility onto anyone in the general vicinity. Second, it shows that Bruce appears to have been affected by the significant amount of negative publicity with which his comments were received.

So, who told Arena to apologize? I can imagine the theories that are just now being conceived: Red Bull is sick of the bad P.R.; U.S. Soccer has dirt on Arena; Bruce’s contract with the Federation has a no-slander clause; etc. Maybe, but in this case I’m willing to take Arena at his word:

“Nobody’s telling me to do this, but I think the way the two interviews came out is not appropriate. I think I’ve allowed my anger and frustration to overcome any kind of common sense I might have.

Just as I refused to shy away from criticizing Arena (despite taking some heat for it) I am willing to give him due credit. I am very grateful to Bruce for his eight years of service and for his owning up to and apologizing for his recent missteps. The world of U.S. Soccer has again reached an acceptable level of harmony. For that I am most thankful.