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Joe: Does Bruce determine his own future or is he on the hot seat with a repeat of last season’s results?
When Bruce Arena will step aside has been a lingering question for the last few seasons. Multiple reporters have tried to get an answer out of Bruce without much success. I think an article by Kevin Baxter from Nov. 2021 gives us some good insight.
In the article, Bruce’s son Kenny is quoted as saying, “He’s going to work as long as he wants to work. And he’s going to stop working when he doesn’t want to work anymore. That’s going to be the question for him. It’s not going to be, ‘What’s the perfect ending to the story?’”
Bruce also has a telling quote, saying, “What I do for a living is not real meaningful. You’d like to be able to do more in life than just be judged on winning games.”
The article came out after the Revs lifted the Supporters’ Shield and before they crashed out of the playoffs. Bruce went on to sign a contract extension.
I think Bruce would love to leave on a high note and ideally that would be winning the elusive MLS Cup with a team that’s failed five times. The 2023 roster could do it if everyone is healthy and in form.
Even if the Revs don’t win the MLS Cup, I think Bruce can hang his hat on making some major changes to the Revs. One of the biggest is establishing the club as a place that’s willing to develop and sell players.
So, back to your question. I think Bruce will determine his future. I don’t think the Krafts will fire him. If the Krafts do want to move on from him, I bet it would be presented as Bruce choosing to step aside.
Could that happen after this season? I think so, but there are no sure things in the soccer world.
Paul D.: Any comparisons for Jack Panayotou’s ceiling?
When I spoke to Panayotou, he said that he feels comfortable playing as a 10 or 8, though he can also feature on the wing. I think it will be difficult for him to get minutes as a 10 in this league because that’s a coveted spot. Carles Gil is obviously occupying the position now and I imagine the Revs will sign a big-name player to replace Gil when he leaves.
That said, I think Panayotou can be a really solid number 8. He has good feet and movement. He’s tenacious and has the ability to shoot.
It’s going to be interesting to see how many first-team games he gets this year because the Revs have a lot of midfield options. I do expect to see him get some league minutes, as well as time during the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup. I bet he also plays some games for Revs II.
I think the hope is that Panayotou one day becomes a regular starter for the first team, likely as an 8 or outside midfielder.
Paul D.: Does Carles Gil have any more brothers that Bruce can sign?
I personally think that the Revs should scout all Gil family gatherings. Caleb Pongratz says that Carles has brother-in-laws “that are filthy.”
Sam M: who has a better season: Omar or Jozy?
Oh, hi Samuel!
Hmm. This is a tough one because it comes down to playing time. I’m going to go with Altidore because he can be an option off the bench late in games. He could also get some starts in the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup. Of course, Altidore could also be gone midseason.
One thing I think is interesting is that the Revs have some unsigned center backs in camp in Pierre Cayet, Andreas Ueland, and Victor Souza. Do any of these players sign with the first team? If so, do they get minutes over Gonzalez?
Hank A: What is the likelihood that Djordje is sold in the summer window?
I would be surprised if the Revs sold Petrovic during the season because he’s so important to the team’s success. The same can be said about DeJuan Jones.
Both players have garnered interest abroad and that will likely rise, especially if they continue to get called up to their respective national teams.
Personally, I think you keep both players for the entire year because that gives you the best chance of winning the MLS Cup. If interest is overwhelming in the summer, the Revs could sell either player with the condition that they stay in New England until the end of the season. You know, the Tajon deal.
Dolan: Seth, where are we stopping along the drive to the ASG in DC?
The answer is obviously Waffle House. We will also pay homage to RFK.
Hank A: Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?
I get most of my shirts from Twillory.com. Use code word “Macomber” for 10% off your first purchase. Just kidding, but they do make a fine-looking shirt.