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.

On Tuesday afternoon, Gillette Stadium officials provided updates on the current stadium renovation and improvement project that has been going on since late 2021. The announcement included the news that new parts of the stadium are expected to be open for the Patriots' regular season home opener on September 10.

"We are thrilled to open the renovated parts of the stadium for the New England Patriots regular season home game on September 10 where we will welcome our Season Ticket Members into a space that was carefully redesigned with the fan experience in mind. We also look forward to providing an upgraded experience for New England Revolution fans and the many others that will visit the stadium for future concerts and events," Chief Marketing Officer of Kraft Sports + Entertainment Jen Ferron said via a statement from the team.

"Throughout the planning of this project, we worked hard to positively impact every guest that comes to Gillette Stadium. From arrival to departure and through 360-degree access around the building, new food and beverage locations and menu offerings, premium spaces, the curved-radius video board and more, the fan journey has been enhanced," said Jim Nolan, Chief Operating Officer of Kraft Sports + Entertainment. "We are eager for guests at Patriots and Revolution games and concerts and special events to experience and enjoy these transformational upgrades as we continue with our next twenty years in the stadium."

Among the new elements coming to the stadium, which make up a $250 million investment in the stadium, are a field-level beer hall, updated concourse and club levels, and a new lighthouse that stands 22 stories with a 360-degree observation deck at the top. In addition to the timeline update, the Patriots provided renderings of what the new parts of the stadium, first opened in 2002, will look like. You can check those out below...

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.