Michael Bradley’s return to MLS has come in a surprising new role, as the former U.S. men’s national team captain has been named head coach of the New York Red Bulls. It marks the beginning of a n...
Michael Bradley’s return to MLS has come in a surprising new role, as the former U.S. men’s national team captain has been named head coach of the New York Red Bulls.
It marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most influential figures in American soccer after a career that spanned three decades. The former midfielder made over 280 MLS appearances between 2005 and 2023.
Bradley steps into his first top-flight coaching job after leading Red Bulls II to an MLS NEXT PRO Cup.
Speaking ahead of his debut campaign as a head coach, Bradley revealed some of the serendipity that went into the move.
“There are a lot of things that you can control in life and in football," Bradley said. "But one thing that you can never control is timing. You can't control when when certain opportunities come, or when certain people call.”
“When (last) season ended, when Julian [De Guzman] and I were able to to speak, when I was able to have discussions with Jurgen [Klopp] and Mario [Gómez] and just understand even more of what this club wants to be going forward, how in the world could you say no?”
While Red Bull Football has been known for a high-pressing, intense style of play, Bradley's New York side could be set to deploy more of a possession based system, and their busy winter transfer window has reflected that.
After seasons of inconsistency, the club is turning to a figure it believes can sharpen its philosophy and restore a clear sense of purpose.
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Category: General Sports
