Bruce Arena succeeds Klinsmann as US coach

Bruce Arena was rehired Tuesday for a second stint as United States head coach, replacing sacked German Jurgen Klinsmann. The 65-year-old American guided the United States to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal during his previous tenure from 1998 to 2006.

“Any time you get the opportunity to coach the national team it’s an honour,” said Arena, who takes up his new role on December 1.

Bruce Arena was rehired Tuesday for a second stint as United States head coach, replacing sacked German Jurgen Klinsmann.

The 65-year-old American guided the United States to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal during his previous tenure from 1998 to 2006.

“Any time you get the opportunity to coach the national team it’s an honour,” said Arena, who had been coaching Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy, and takes up his new role on December 1.

Former Germany player and coach Klinsmann was dumped after the Americans dropped their first two matches in the final round of North American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, losing 2-1 at home to arch-rival Mexico and 4-0 at Costa Rica.

“I’m looking forward to working with a strong group of players that understand the challenge in front of them after the first two games,” said Arena.

“Working as a team, I’m confident that we’ll take the right steps forward to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”

The timing for making the switch now gives Arena four months until the US squad faces another qualifier, allowing time for players to adjust and Arena to build momentum as the US tries to book an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

His first match will be a qualifier at home to Honduras on March 24.

“When we considered the possible candidates to take over the men’s national team at this time, Bruce was at the top of the list,” US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said.

“His experience at the international level, understanding of the requirements needed to lead a team through World Cup qualifying, and proven ability to build a successful team were all aspects we felt were vital for the next coach.”

Arena went 71-30 with 29 drawn when he guided the US squad from 1998 to 2006, but was dropped after a disappointing first-round exit at the 2006 World Cup. He was replaced by assistant Bob Bradley, who was fired in 2011 and replaced by Klinsmann.

In 2002, the Americans shocked Portugal in their World Cup opener and blanked Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 before being eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinal.

Arena has coached a record five MLS Cup champions, guiding the Galaxy to crowns in 2011, 2012 and 2014 after taking the title with D.C. United in 1996 and 1997.

He also served as general manager of the Galaxy and is a three-time MLS Coach of the Year, with United in 1997 and the Galaxy in 2009 and 2011.

“We all know Bruce will be fully committed to preparing the players for the next eight qualifying games and earning a berth to an eighth straight FIFA World Cup in Russia,” Gulati said.