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Arena: Beckham Resolution Needed Soon
David Beckham wants an A.C. Milan move. Milan want a Beckham acquisition. That has left MLS and Bruce Arena with looking to speed up the deal as much as possible.
Feb 12, 2009 9:15:27 PM
LA Galaxy general manager and head coach Bruce Arena has reversed his tune over want-away midfielder David Beckham.
Earlier in the transfer saga he was bullish and dismissive over the possibility of designated player Beckham not returning from his loan at A.C. Milan. Now, however, his comments echo those of Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, as both the league and the Galaxy look to move the deal on as quickly as possible.
"We think it's best to come to a conclusion," Arena said according to mlsnet.com. "Either David is going to stay or he is going to remain at AC Milan. In order for our team to move forward, for the league to move forward, it's best that we get a decision made as soon as possible.
"I think AC Milan understands where we're coming from and we understand the situation they are in and hopefully we can work something out over the next couple of days."
Arena steered clear of attaching the same definitive time line that Garber applied to the deal. Speaking ahead of the USA's triumph over Mexico in World Cup qualifying, the commissioner imposed a deadline of Friday, February 13 for Milan to wrap up negotiations.
The concern lies more with the team and a Beckham-sized hole to fill should the Englishman depart, than any specific dates. Speaking of the team and the impact Beckham's departure would have, Arena says the squad can cope.
"Certainly you lose a great player," Arena said. "He brings a lot to the team, both on and off the field. However, this is a team sport, and it's not like basketball where one player can make such a difference on the team.
"There's 11 players and we have a bunch of good players. With David, without David, we're optimistic that we are going to have a good team this year."
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
Earlier in the transfer saga he was bullish and dismissive over the possibility of designated player Beckham not returning from his loan at A.C. Milan. Now, however, his comments echo those of Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, as both the league and the Galaxy look to move the deal on as quickly as possible.
"We think it's best to come to a conclusion," Arena said according to mlsnet.com. "Either David is going to stay or he is going to remain at AC Milan. In order for our team to move forward, for the league to move forward, it's best that we get a decision made as soon as possible.
"I think AC Milan understands where we're coming from and we understand the situation they are in and hopefully we can work something out over the next couple of days."
Arena steered clear of attaching the same definitive time line that Garber applied to the deal. Speaking ahead of the USA's triumph over Mexico in World Cup qualifying, the commissioner imposed a deadline of Friday, February 13 for Milan to wrap up negotiations.
The concern lies more with the team and a Beckham-sized hole to fill should the Englishman depart, than any specific dates. Speaking of the team and the impact Beckham's departure would have, Arena says the squad can cope.
"Certainly you lose a great player," Arena said. "He brings a lot to the team, both on and off the field. However, this is a team sport, and it's not like basketball where one player can make such a difference on the team.
"There's 11 players and we have a bunch of good players. With David, without David, we're optimistic that we are going to have a good team this year."
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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