SECAUCUS, NJ - Red Bull New York Managing Director Marc de Grandpre announced today that Sporting Director and head coach Bruce Arena has resigned from his position.
"We've made progress this season, but it is not where we want to be," said de Grandpre. "We made a promise to our fans to provide the best quality product on the field. Unfortunately, we haven't achieved that promise to this point. Thus, we've come to a mutual agreement to part ways. I want to thank Bruce for his hard work. I am certain that he will have success in his future endeavors."
"Marc and I discussed the direction of the team and decided mutually that this was the best move for Red Bull New York," said Arena. "I wish the organization the best of luck going forward."
This past season, Arena led the team to a regular season record of 12-11-7 and a third place finish in the Eastern Conference. However, the team was eliminated last Saturday in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the New England Revolution, 1-0, in a two-game aggregate goal series.
Over the course of his tenure with the Red Bulls, Arena compiled a 16-16-10 record. He made his Red Bulls coaching debut on August 12, 2006, in a friendly against UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona. His MLS debut with the team was on August 16, 2006 against D.C. United. In 2006, he posted a 4-5-3 record after replacing Mo Johnson. However the team was eliminated by D.C. United in the opening round of the MLS playoffs. In five seasons as a head coach in MLS, Arena has compiled a career regular season record of 77-51-10 with both the Red Bulls and D.C. United.
The team will begin a search for a new head coach immediately.
A media conference call is planned for 2:30 PM ET, Monday, November 5 with Red Bull New York Managing Director Marc de Grandpre. Call-in details will be provided in a forthcoming release.
