Chat with Bruce Arena

A day after announcing his roster selections for the upcoming World Cup, US men’s national team coach Bruce Arena stopped by Bookable Offense headquarters in California for an online chat with our readers.

Bryce: Well, thanks for your patience everyone. Bruce is here and ready to get started, so fire away.

Bruce: Sorry to be late, but let’s get to your questions.

Taylor in Mansfield, MA: Bruce, do you have any regrets about leaving off any players on this roster? And if someone else got injured, who would be the next person added to the squad?

Bruce: Obviously, this is the toughest part of coaching this team. Telling very deserving players that we couldn’t make room for them in the squad is tough on the whole staff, but the responsibility ultimately resides with me.

Like Chris Albright being brought into the fold today to replace Frankie Hejduk, there is always a chance of another player being included in the final roster because of injury. Hopefully we can stay healthy going into the tournament, but there is always a chance of another player being called in at the last minute. The new MLS season will be very important for getting players like John O’Brien healthy, and also keeping other possible late additions to the roster in form and ready to contribute should the need arise.

Leslie in Mobile, AL: Hey Coach, great job in qualifications. How big do you think you’ll win against the Czech Republic? 3-0? 4-0?

Bruce: Well, thank you for your vote of confidence, Leslie, but I think we’ll be setting our sights a little lower than that. Because the Czech Republic match will be our first, it will be of the utmost importance to get a good result. A loss would make advancing awfully difficult, so we’ll do the best we can in preparation for that game with that in mind.

Samuel in The Hague, Netherlands: In the most recent FIFA rankings, the United States is ranked fourth, which has raised more than a few eyebrows. How much higher do you think you should be ranked?

Bruce: To be honest, Samuel, I don’t know how much you can read into any kind of rankings like that. To say that we are the fourth best team in the world right now is flattering, but I think there are probably a few teams that might have a serious gripe about their positioning in the FIFA table.

That being said, I would argue that we did have a serious claim for a seeded position in the tournament. We have fared very well in recent years against Mexico and felt we deserved to be recognized as such. Regardless, we’ll have to let our play on the field do the talking for us.

Taylor in Mansfield, MA: So, let's say Brian Ching were to mysteriously disappear. Who would be next in line to take his place on the team? Thanks.

Bruce: Well, obviously we hope all of our players stay healthy and are ready to go come June. In the event that something happened to one of our strikers, I have a couple players in mind depending on who went down with injury.

Earl in Cranberry, NJ: Do you know where I can get a couple extra tix?

Bruce: I wish I knew- then maybe my family would get off my back for three seconds. Check FIFA.com.

Nancy in Houston, TX: How big of a fan are you of Clint Dempsey’s rap music?

Bruce: First, I's gotsta 2 give a shoutout 2 my dawg, Big Hawk. I know the Deuce was mad crushed by the loss of his homey this week. Just know we’ll be bumpin’ the Deuce’s mad skills before kick off 2 remembah our fallin’ homeboy, Big Hawk, 4 Real.

Don't tread on this!

George in St. Paul, MN: Who was most excited when they found out they were selected for the team?

Bruce: Landon’s mother was pretty excited, I have to say. Both his parents were a little concerned about Landon being away from home for so long, but they’ll be traveling with the team in Germany to make sure he feels comfortable. Hopefully there’ll be extra PBn’J sandwiches again this year.

Kurt in Salem, OR: What is the starting eleven going to be? Thanks, Bruce!

Bruce: I wish I knew! Obviously, I wouldn’t want to tip my hand to our opposing coaches, but I imagine you could pencil in folks like Keller, Pope, Onyewu, Lewis, Cherundolo, Reyna, O’Brien, Beasely, Donovan, McBride and Johnson. Other than that, I wouldn’t want to speculate at this time.

Peter in Sydney, Australia: Will you continue to coach the US team after the World Cup, or will you look to find a different coaching gig?

Bruce: I am still waiting for my phone call from the English FA, but nothing seems to be coming of it.

No, honestly, I will wait until after the tournament to determine my options. I haven’t been offered another contract yet, and I think I will wait to see how this summer’s World Cup goes before making any decisions.

Would I like another challenge if I feel I’ve taken this team as far as I can, sure. I would also relish the opportunity to become the first American coach working in Europe, but we’ll see if anything develops.

Taylor in Mansfield, MA: You wouldn't pick Connor Casey, would you?

Bruce: Well, I assume you are asking about a hypothetical situation where I needed to select another player due to an injury to one of our forwards. I think the important thing to keep in mind is the ability of Landon Donovan to partner someone up top as a striker, which would allow us to bring in another midfield player instead.

Also, no form of campaigning will be rewarded. I mean it.

Please stop calling.

Alex in Washington, DC: How often do you read Bookable Offense?

Bruce: Oh, I actually have each posting emailed directly. I think these guys are doing a tremendous job and are doing great things to promote soccer here in America and also bring a unique perspective to the game in Europe. I can’t get enough and I know Landon was awfully excited to do his online chat a couple of weeks ago.

I think you’ll be seeing even more live chats from USMNT members in the future.

I’ve had a lot of fun today with your questions, but I’ve got to run. I’ll see you next time.

Bryce: There you have it folks. Thanks again, Bruce.

And remember, if you have another question that wasn’t answered, feel free to email us here at Bookable Offense.

Photos courtesy of ussoccer.com and myspace.com. Portions of this chat may have been fictionalized. Please do not sue us.