Arena named 2009 Coach of the Year
Galaxy manager honored with award for second time
Just don't ask him to compare it to the first time he was given the honor. That was in 1997, when he was with D.C. United and led them to the club's second MLS Cup in as many seasons. Comparing personal achievements is something he is not especially fond of.
"1997 ... that was 12 years ago. You probably weren't even born then," Arena said with a sly grin. "I don't really recall that specific honor. I've had a lot of great experiences in this game and I've been part of championship teams, and if you single out one ahead of the other you're being disrespectful to so many people that helped achieve that success.
"I can't say this is the best one, but it's really a reflection of the efforts of those people involved with the LA Galaxy. Although it's deemed an individual honor I really think it's an honor for our team and our organization. In that sense I feel real good about it."
The 58-year-old was a finalist along with Seattle Sounders FC's Sigi Schmid and the Columbus Crew's Robert Warzycha. Arena took over the Galaxy from Ruud Gullit on Aug. 18, 2008 and went 2-5-3 in 10 games. But his real work was during the offseason, when he revamped the roster and brought in 16 new players. The Galaxy finished first in the Western Conference this season, recorded 12 shutouts and allowed just 31 goals, exactly half of their league-high total from a year ago.
Arena became the second Galaxy head coach to be so honored -- Schmid was the first in 1999 -- and the league's third two-time winner after Schmid and Bob Bradley. Arena might have downplayed the significance of Wednesday's announcement, but his players were ecstatic at the news.
"He deserves it," David Beckham said. "I think he's helped us as players and as a team. His experience with this league and with American players, it's been essential for us stepping toward winning something. My congratulations to him."
Mike Magee, one of the offseason arrivals and a seven-year veteran who went on to tie Landon Donovan for the team lead in assists with six, said he knew Arena was the right man to engineer the rebuilding of the club as early as late last season.
"I think when he got the job last year this team became tougher right away," Magee said, "even when he had a group of guys that weren't necessarily his guys. The thing he's best at is bringing out the best in players. Once he got the chance to bring in his players we knew he was going to turn this franchise around.
"There are a lot of great coaches in this league, but I think this year 100 percent was him. He's the best coach in the league, in my eyes. I'm real happy that he brought me here so I can be a part of this team and this program. I can't say enough about him."
Chris Klein, who just completed his 12th season, has known Arena since his college days at Indiana University. Klein, who came to the Galaxy in June of 2007 from Real Salt Lake in a trade for Nathan Sturgis and Robbie Findley, said he knew Arena could rebuild the once-proud team.
"I know what type of teams he has and know what he's all about," Klein said. "I've been around him for a long time and he knows how to get the most out of his players. I think the biggest thing he does is he knows how to organize teams that are truly teams. Guys fight for each other. He's always been a guy that's been able to get the most out of his best players and have them working together. I think you saw that with Landon (Donovan) and David (Beckham) this year.
"When you think where this team is now and where we came from, it speaks volumes to how he's coached this team and how he's changed the culture of this team. I think that's his biggest accomplishment for us this year. Obviously he's very deserving of the award."
Larry Morgan is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
