Caleb Porter "Turning the Page" Heading Into 2024

"But we're we're turning the page we're looking ahead and not thinking about anything other than trying to help these players reach their potential and win."

Photo Courtesy of New England Revolution

Caleb Porter was introduced as head coach of the New England Revolution, formally turning the page on what was a disastrous 2023 season and beginning a new chapter in club history. While fans still yearn for clarity regarding Bruce Arena’s resignation, Porter is focused on what lies ahead.

Porter is a well-established coach with a history of winning. The 48-year-old has won two MLS Cups and has coached nearly 300 games.

But Porter is replacing a man who changed the trajectory of the organization. Arena helped lead the Revs to a Supporters’ Shield in 2021 — their best season ever — and the American soccer legend brought a certain cachet to the organization.

The Blazing Musket asked Porter on Thursday how he will manage replacing the former USMNT head coach and how he hopes to make an impact during his time at the helm in New England.

I don't think about replacing anyone,” Porter said. “We're all stewards of the club, players and coaches. Ideally when we take jobs as coaches and as players we want to leave something meaningful in terms of a legacy and trophies. We know that our time depends on how we do. I have a lot of respect for Bruce. He was, when I was a young coach a role model. He was a guy that came out of college like me. We've had a good relationship over the years. I respect him and I respect what he's done in his career. But we're turning the page, we're looking ahead and not thinking about anything other than trying to help these players reach their potential and win. So that's what I'm focused on. Every coach is different and actually, even the good ones are very different in terms of what they like and how they work. I am who I am. I know my strengths. I know my weaknesses. I had a lot of time in this year off to reflect on all those things. This will be my 10th year in the league and I've learned a lot. I've won but I've also been bloodied to a little bit so I think that's good. I get better. I'm a growth mindset guy. I get better when I get good feedback.”

Porter last coached in the 2022 season when the Columbus Crew missed the playoffs. The Crew — now led by Wilfrid Nancy — lifted the MLS Cup in December

The head coach believes he can get New England to that same mountaintop. With a strong foundation according to Porter, this team is capable of lifting trophies.

“But absolutely, I wouldn't I wouldn't have taken the job unless I felt we could win an MLS Cup here,” Porter stated. And now obviously, you say that's the vision, but there's a long process to get there. Over my nine years in the league, I've developed a blueprint and a process to get there. I've have the experience of doing it, but I also know how hard it is to do it and it's gonna take every single day. I believe that the daily details determine the difference. That's the edge and the work’s already began but I plan when preseason starts to hopefully create that edge, those margins, the five to 10%, which is the difference in winning an MLS Cup.”

If Porter is able to see out his vision and win an MLS Cup he would live in the annals of Revolution history for eternity, even surpassing the likes of Arena. But right now that might as well be centuries away. The focus now is on getting the club ready for the 2024 season.