Michael Bradley is going back to where it all began. The former USMNT midfielder has taken the role of head coach of MLS Next Pro side New York Red Bulls II and will make his debut on Jun 21.
At 37 years old, he begins his head coaching stint with the club in which he began his professional soccer career when the club played as MetroStars in 2004. "I couldn’t be happier returning back to where my professional career began,"
He retired in December 2023 having played for 20 years. It wasn't until months later that he was back in Norway as an assistant coach with his father Bob Bradley at club team Stabæk.
Experience that matters where it truly counts
He won 151 caps for the USMNT and captained the team 44 times. He played for the US in two World Cups as well as won two Concacaf Gold Cups. He won the MLS Cup as well as four Canadian Championships with Toronto FC
It is difficult to dream of having someone with more experience to instruct younger players about what it truly takes to play at an elite level. On top of that, Bradley possesses that new, contemporary view that has been formulated based on his experiences in Europe's leagues, having seen diverse sorts of play, club cultures, and varieties of players. It is that combination that provides him with that realistic and contemporary knowledge of the sport.
Direct influence on and off the pitch
No one will deny that Bradley's arrival changes the way people see Red Bulls II. He sheds light on MLS NEXT Pro, which doesn't always stay in the spotlight of casual fans of the game.
His lineage creates the hype that brings to the forefront what could otherwise be seen as mere stepping stone status. And that is of immense benefit to the players themselves. To be trained by such an individual can speed the development of an aspiring player, sharpen minds in practice, and bring them to the notice of scouts, of the clubs, as well as of the national youth teams.
Director of Sport Julian de Guzman echoed the sentiment in saying: "He had an incredible playing career and is in the running to be considered one of the great American soccer players of all time. We view him as a great coaching prospect and look forward to helping him make the transition as he goes on to life on the sidelines."