New England Revolution players refused to train on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, as they are making more findings into the investigation concerning former manager Bruce Arena.
Arena announced his resignation from The Revs on Saturday, September 9, 2023, after their 1-1 draw with Minnesota.
Bruce Arena had been on administrative leave since August 1, 2023, due to an investigation that he used insensitive and inappropriate comments.
He last managed the New England Revolution on July 27, 2023, in an encounter against San Luis in the Leagues Cup.
The game ended in a 5-1 smashing victory for Bruce Arena’s side, as they progressed into the round of 16, before losing to Mexican side Queretaro on penalties.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, and it needed to be settled on penalties.
Since then, Bruce Arena hasn’t taken charge of the side, and New England Revolution players have demanded to know more about his investigation.
Team president Brian Biello told players and staff in an email sent on Monday that there would be a compulsory meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, before training activities.
Biello told the players that he would give the players an insight into “what has transpired at the club”.
The New England Revolution team president also added that he would give the “group a chance to ask questions.”
Bruce Arena investigation
The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, spanned about an hour, and players as earlier indicated asked pertinent questions that they needed answers to.
It is unknown what Bruce Arena’s comments were, but Major League Soccer confirmed that certain allegations were made following an investigation conducted on the American.
Curt Onalfo, was promoted from his technical director role to interim sporting director, and assistant manager Richie Williams was made manager of the club, on an interim basis.
The meeting held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, didn’t yield the right dividend as administrators of New England Revolution would have loved, as the players were “unsatisfied” with the time spent with Team President, Brian Biello.
According to The Athletic, the players requested that they should handed more time to speak with the coaching crew.
Their meeting with the coaching staff of the New England Revolution lasted about 2 hours, and players asked Williams about his role in the investigation.
Richie Williams: The man behind Bruce Arena’s investigation?
Richie Williams apparently filed complaints against his then-boss, Bruce Arena, and he was interviewed during the investigation.
When asked about his involvement in the investigation, he reportedly told players he couldn’t give his say on the investigation.
The body language of the New England Revolution players and Williams is that of distrust, and one player speaking with The Athletic said:
“Not many guys trust Richie leading the team right now”
This implied that it was a collective decision for the players not to train rather than an outright refusal to train.
Many assistant coaches have reportedly been at loggerheads with Richie Williams, and he has also been separated once from assistant Shalrie Joseph last season, as they seemingly were getting into a brawl.
Meanwhile, the New England Revolution have dismissed Richie Williams, and they confirmed their decision on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
New England Revolution statement
A statement released by the club reads: “The New England Revolution today announced several personnel changes to the club’s coaching staff. Clint Peay, Head Coach of Revolution II will serve as Interim Head Coach of the Revolution effective immediately.”
They didn’t reveal they have dismissed Richie Williams, however, his role at the club is currently unspecified.
New England Revolution executives are set for important deliberation on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Bruce Arena is a veteran coach in the United States Of America, having managed clubs like DC United, New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, and New England Revolution.
He also had two stints as manager of the United States men’s national team, first managing the nation from October 1998 till July 2006.
Arena took charge of the United States Of America from December 2016 till October 2017.
The 71-year-old has won 5 MLS Cups, and 4 Major League Soccer shields. He is also a 4-time recipient of the MLS Coach of the Year award.
Bruce Arena led America to the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2002, 2005, and 2017.
Anyway, New England Revolution sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference, with 48 points from 27 matches played, 9 points behind FC Cincinnati, who have amassed 57 points.
They return to Major League Soccer action on Sunday, September 17, 2023, with a clash against Western Conference basement boys, Colorado Rapids.
