After the United States’ sensational failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Bruce Arena has resigned as the team’s coach.
Arena took charge of America for the second time in November 2016, replacing Jürgen Klinsmann.
Changes had been widely expected following Tuesday’s shock defeat to Trinidad and Tobago. The result, combined with victories for Honduras and Panama, left the US in fifth place in the Hexagonal group phase of Concacaf World Cup qualifying and out of next summer’s World Cup.
It was the first time since 1986 that the Americans had failed to secure a place at world football’s premier international event.
The 66-year-old said in a statement: “When I took the job last November, I knew there was a great challenge ahead, probably more than most people could appreciate. Everyone involved in the program gave everything they had for the last 11 months and, in the end, we came up short. No excuses. We didn’t get the job done, and I accept responsibility.”
More to follow …
