New USMNT coach Bruce Arena has opened up about the growth of soccer in the USA over the past few years. He was speaking to ESPN ahead of the country's friendly clash with Serbia on Sunday.
Arena, who managed the Yanks from 1998 to 2006 before losing the job, narrated that he took over when the country's soccer was 'bankrupt.' The 65-year-old said:
''The federation has grown in leaps and bounds
"When I started in November of 1998 we were on the verge of bankruptcy. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but we were. We can probably buy everyone a cup of coffee today and not have any problems.
"The national team program is supported much better. Both the men and women are well supported. We've made progress in our programs."
He then added:
"In terms of the sport in our country it's grown tremendously I think
"The national team is much more recognized. The sport on the professional level has grown. The players are more experienced.
"We're beginning to see somewhat of a culture that you see elsewhere around world, where there's a little bit of pressure on the team, the players, the coaches, be successful. That's part of the growth of the sport."
The friendly match between USA and Serbia is set to kick on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California. For live broadcast channels and geo-localized kick-off times, visit the match page.
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