After speaking exclusively to ProSoccerTalk in his first chat with the media since taking charge of Swansea City, Bob Bradley spoke to the world’s media on Friday.
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Bradley, 58, held a press conference at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea (the Liberty Stadium was off limits due to an Ospreys rugby match) and in 30 minutes he managed to bring plenty of passion to the table, plus spoke briefly about the U.S. national team and thoughts on the new American ownership at the club.
You can read his in-depth chat with PST here, but here are some of the news lines to come out of Bradley’s press conference on Friday:
- Reiterated that he is “not an American manager. I’m a football manager” and dismissed talk that he is a pioneer.
- Asked about recent comments from Jurgen Klinsmann, Bradley said: “I’m glad Jurgen said nice things now. When he did commentary in 2010 he was already jockeying for the job.”
- Bradley did thank Klinsmann for the comments and added he always hopes USMNT does well, despite not agreeing with his firing in 2011.
- Talked about the respect he already has for Swansea: “I know I’m at a club with a soul, that has real passion and real fans. That for me is special.”
- On new American owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan: “I’m impressed by their understanding of what the club is about.”
- He admitted he won’t make too many changes to the coaching staff but may add an assistant with Premier League experience
- Said Swansea have gained plenty of fans in America already: “Swansea City FC has gained a lot of supporters this week, they’re not as hardcore as the ones you have but I hope we’ll get them there.”
When can expect to hear plenty more from Bob in the coming weeks as he begins his journey as the first American coach in the Premier League.
He will manage his first game for Swansea against Arsenal on Oct. 15 (Watch live, 10 a.m. ET online on NBC Sports).
