



This piece is part of our “State of the Team” series, previewing each MLS squad ahead of the 2020 season. Read the other teams’ stories here.



The overarching theme of Bruce Arena’s introductory speech to his new players caught members of the New England Revolution off guard. But not in a bad way.



Although his legacy had been dented by the U.S. national team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Arena still possessed a reputation that preceded him. He’s won five MLS Cups, the most of any coach in the league’s history. By every objective measure, Arena is among the most decorated figures in American soccer history.



He is also known for having something of a no-nonsense demeanor, and for holding his players to an unwaveringly high standard. So, midway through last season, when he stood in front of the Revolution for the first time, they were put at ease when he talked more about the concept of failure...