U.S. Soccer officially announced that former USMNT coach Bruce Arena is back. After the firing of Jurgen Klinsmann on Monday, Arena was named coach on Tuesday as the federation aims to get the team's World Cup qualifying campaign on track.
An up-and-down tenure under Klinsmann, highlighted by a fine showing at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Copa America Centenario, came to an end this week following the team's worst start to the hexagonal round of World Cup qualifying -- losing 2-1 at home to Mexico and at Costa Rica 4-0.
"I'm thrilled to be back with the national team. I think it is the greatest honor for a coach in our country. I know we have a great challenge ahead," Arena said on Tuesday in a conference call with the media.
"I think we have a very good pool of players. Winning World Cups is difficult as we know ... But I think the United States is getting closer to that day."
Arena, whose contract goes through the 2018 World Cup, said he is happy with the current player pool and players playing overseas, saying the pool of players has expanded since he was let go in 2006.
Arena, 65, joins from the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS. He coached the U.S. from 1998-2006, guiding the team in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He has more wins as USMNT manager than anyone else in history and most notably guided the team to that brilliant run to the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup before losing to runner-up Germany 1-0. He has also won two Gold Cups as coach of the U.S., while also winning five MLS Cups.
The U.S. returns to qualifying action in March against Honduras and Panama, and there's plenty of work to be done.
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