Richie Williams Speaks For 1st Time Since Bruce Arena's Resignation

“Listen, I understand why you're asking the question. But, I’ve said everything I'm going to say on the subject already, and again, I'd have to refer you to the league.”

Photo By Spenser Powell

New England Revolution interim head coach Richie Williams spoke to the media for the first time since Bruce Arena resigned as head coach and sporting director of the club. Here is everything you need to know from the press conference.

Richie Williams’ Opening Statement

Prior to answering questions, Williams gave a brief statement. In this statement, he reveals that the club didn’t train on Tuesday with meetings being held.

“We didn’t have training today as we had a bunch of meetings this morning, internal meetings between the players, coaches, and management, and with the length of the meetings and what was discussed, we decided, as a group collectively, that we wouldn't have training today and we’ll be out tomorrow,” Williams said.

When later asked about the meetings by The Blazing Musket, Williams stated that it was the first time the group had reunited since the Minnesota match and felt that they were necessary to help the team move forward.

“So basically, we had these meetings because we've had a lot going on, as you guys can imagine, over the last six weeks and, obviously, with the announcement on Saturday,” the interim head coach stated. “So, it was basically the first time we've been back together since the game on Saturday night. So again, we felt it was best to collectively come together and meet as coaches and players and management, and discuss things that needed to be discussed, and then we move forward.”

Players and Coaches Found Out About Arena’s Resignation After Playing Minnesota United

With the initial report from Tom Bogert and Pablo Maurer dropping in the lead up to New England’s match against Minnesota and the sudden nature of Arena’s resignation minutes after the final whistle.

Williams stated that the squad learned of Arena’s resignation at the same time as well all did after the 2-2 draw.

“So, we learned about it after the game, basically,” he said. “And then, again, in terms of distractions, you know we try to limit, obviously, the distractions among the group and we work together to collectively come together and to do our best moving forward, playing well and competing on the field.”

What Williams Wouldn’t Comment On

There were numerous questions that Williams decided to not comment on and pointed to statements from the league.

The Blazing Musket asked Williams if he felt that his reported involvement in the investigation would affect his ability to coach the squad moving forward. Well understanding why the question was asked, he did not comment.

“Listen, I understand why you're asking the question,” the coach said. “But, I’ve said everything I'm going to say on the subject already, and again, I'd have to refer you to the league.”

When asked about players and coaches supporting Arena, Williams also decided not to comment.

“As Adam [Klionsky] stated, I can't get into any further details,” the coach said. “Any questions regarding the investigation, I have to refer to the league.”

Williams wouldn’t even comment on his emotions when he found out that Arena retired.

“As I said, look, I wish I could say more, but again, I'm going to have to refer you to the league on anything regarding the investigation,” the interim head coach said when asked by The Blazing Musket about his emotions following the news.

Williams Future in New England

Williams was asked multiple times about his future in New England. The interim head coach said that in conversations with management that he has been asked to be interim head coach until the end of the season.

“Yeah, basically, as of right now, the conversation has been, they've asked me to be the interim head coach at this moment until the end of the year, and I'll continue to do that as long as they've asked me to do it,” he said.

When asked if he wants to stay in New England, Williams wasn’t exactly committing himself to staying with the Revolution.

“My desire is to continue to be a coach moving forward,” the interim head coach replied. “Again, what I said earlier, I'm contracted currently with the New England Revolution. They've asked me to be the interim head coach from now until the end of the season, and that's where my focus is right now.”