Major League Soccer

Arena: 'Mixed Feelings' About Beckham Deal

The Galaxy coach spoke on the possibility of losing the English midfilder.

Mar 3, 2009 6:57:02 AM

MLS: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy, August 2008 (ISI)

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MLS: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy, August 2008 (ISI)

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CARSON, California -- As news of an agreement between the Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan was spreading all over Southern California on Monday, Goal.com had the only reporter on the scene at the Galaxy's afternoon practice to get coach Bruce Arena's initial thoughts on the possibility.

Arena acknowledged that he had not spoken directly to Beckham and wanted to do so.

The Galaxy coach joined the club in 2008 as the replacement for the outgoing Ruud Gullit. Outspoken as ever, Arena refused to speculate on Beckham's motivations for wanting to stay at Milan.

"He's got himself involved in a pretty good project there and he wants to finish it off."

Arena has unprecedented power for an MLS coach, and also serves as the clubs' general director.

"I've been pretty consistent to Mr. Leiweke on my thoughts," Arena said. "We both have mixed feelings on the specifics."

Though he wouldn't comment in any detail on the negotiations, Arena did drop some hints on the Galaxy's coping strategy.

"I don't think that's the best circumstance of a loan; it's not in the best interest of the Galaxy, but that doesn't mean it's bad," Arena explained.

"Any scenario out there, whatever is concluded, we're going to be able to react accordingly. "

Andrea Canales, Goal.com

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