Revitalized LA Galaxy Under Bruce Arena Rewards Coach with new Contract

ArenaIt’s hard today to imagine the disarray that Bruce Arena faced in 2008 when he joined the Galaxy as the club’s fourth coach in two years.

Once the club’s flagship franchise, the Galaxy was in sorry shape.

The Galaxy had just six wins all season when Arena took over in 2008 with eight games remaining, the front office was as in as much disarray as the playing staff and the club was about to miss the MLS playoffs for the third consecutive year.

“We’re going to have to be a little bit patient and do the right things everyday to build this team where we want it to be,” said Arena on his first day on the job. “We can turn this around. (The team’s owners) realize it’s not going to happen overnight.”

In Arena’s five full seasons with the club since then he has reeled off three MLS Cup appearances, including two victories and two regular season titles en route to an 82-46-44 regular season record.

“We are very pleased to sign Bruce Arena to a multi-year contract extension,” said Dan Beckerman President and CEO of  Galaxy parent company Anschutz Entertainment Group. “Bruce is one of the finest coaches in the history of soccer in the United States. His commitment to the LA Galaxy, the club’s winning tradition and continued excellence on and off the field is unrivaled. “

Back in 2008, Chris Klein was a veteran midfielder who observed at the time that the ckub needed to get realistic, stop calling itself a “super club” (remember that Alexi Lalas-generated piece of hyperbole?) and embrace the stability and winning mentality, Arena was known for.

It worked.

“Bruce Arena has played an integral role in the growth and success of the LA Galaxy,” said now Galaxy President Klein. “His hard work and commitment to our club has helped the Galaxy become the premier team in MLS. Under Bruce, the club has won championships, developed talent and grown as a brand.”

And now the 62-year-old Arena, the second most successful coach in MLS history in terms of the number of wins with an unparallelled four MLS championships to his name has rightfully received a contract extension.

“I’m honored to remain in this role with the preeminent soccer club in the United States,” said Arena. “I appreciate the continued support and confidence from Mr. Anschutz, Mr. Beckerman, Chris Klein and my staff and players as we head into the 2014 season.”

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