Revs Interim Coach Richie Williams on the Situation in Foxboro
It has been one month since Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena was removed from the team due to an MLS investigation into allegations that he made “insensitive and inappropriate remarks”. More than four weeks later and with the MLS regular season back underway, there are still more questions than answers on what exactly transpired and when, if at all, the most decorated coach in American soccer might return to the job.
On Tuesday, Hardy, Zolak and Bertrand had the opportunity to ask Revolution Assistant Coach Richie Williams, who has served as the team’s interim coach throughout August during Arena’s absence, for any new update on the situation in Foxborough.
“We don’t have any inside info on it. We know exactly what you know which is nothing,” Williams answered when asked if he knew more than the minimal information that has been reported. “Really, our focus has been on leading the team. They’ve asked me to do that and again, we’re just going to prepare for our game tomorrow against the Red Bulls and on the weekend against Austin, so that’s all we know right now.”
Williams coached the Revs in their last two Leagues Cup matches, as well as the team’s first regular season match after the intermission. He remains at the helm as New England prepares for two crucial home games this week,
Wednesday vs. New York Red Bulls and Saturday vs. Austin FC. Despite the 1-0 loss in Montreal last Saturday, which dropped New England into third place in the Eastern Conference, Williams feels like the team has stayed focused on the field, despite the off-field distractions.
“Yeah, we’ve handled it well. The team is doing okay. We’ve been asked as a staff, myself as an interim head coach, to lead the team and coach the team during this period of time,” Williams said. “We’ve expressed to the players that as the staff, we’re all professionals, and players, we’re all professional. We have to make sure that we continue every day to behave and act in the right way and support the situation, and every day show up and train and get ready for games. We still want to win games and be competitive and move up the standings.”
Listen here for the full interview from Richie Williams during Hour 4 of Tuesday’s Zolak & Betrand. Catch the Revolution in MLS action on 98.5 The Sports Hub this Wednesday and Saturday night, both at 7:30 p.m.