From Virginia to D.C. United, game in and game out, Bruce ArenaÆs teams have played soccer with an unmistakable confidence born not just out of their successes but also out of the example set by their coach.
ArenaÆs manner is notoriously self-assured, even to the point of arrogance at times. Although that manner has put off some outsiders, it also has proved contagious to his playersÆ psychological approach to games.
The Cavaliers of the early 1990s entered games against even the toughest opponents looking like they knew they would win. From 1996 through 1998, D.C. United carried a similar attitude, regardless of which players were able to take the field.
ArenaÆs bravado is tempered by realism and backed by a relentless work ethic. Still, one of his best attributes as a coach is his ability to make his players believe themselves capable of great things.
Recently, he has wavered from that standard.
Unlike the past, when he repeated mantras such as ôweÆre not too concerned with what the other team is doing,ö and ôthere are no secrets about the way we play,ö this qualification has revealed a new side of Arena.
Closed practices, evasive pregame statements and the refusal to release a roster until the day of the Costa Rica match may be an attempt to gain an edge by keeping the opposition guessing. But they also send a message contrary to ArenaÆs usual essence to the U.S. players ù one of nervousness.
And against Costa Rica, the team looked tentative.
Granted, the Costa Rica game took place under most extenuating circumstances. ArenaÆs suspension and the void of four impact starters plus four other quality players would have made any coach squirm.
But since the change began before that game, U.S. fans better hope that the caginess is an anomaly and that ArenaÆs old, familiar temperament returns soon.