Bradley was introduced in the new role, and shared why he decided to go back to the club that launched his career
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Bradley introduced as new coachInspired by Klopp and Red Bull systemBradley's first game comes on June 21Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
After nearly 20 years playing for top clubs such as Gladbach and Roma, Michael Bradley is set to launch his head coaching career with the New York Red Bulls II. And it was more than sentimentality that brought back the former U.S. midfielder to the organization.
The Red Bull way, a playing style that all Red Bull clubs around the world follow and is led by famed former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, also played a big part in his decision.
"This is a dream opportunity for a young coach to be at this club, to be inside of the Red Bull family," Bradley said. "I couldn't be more excited."
Bradley acknowledged that while he was announced as the Red Bulls' Next Pro job a week ago, the move to join the Red Bull organization had been in the works for some time. He revealed he spent some time in Salzburg, learning from the Red Bulls team and even working directly with Klopp.
"One of the things that I've been able to do in the last few months is spend some time on a few different occasions with Jurgen, as well. And when you get that opportunity, and you hear him talk about the game, and you hear the way he speaks, and you see his passion and his energy, it's amazing," Bradley said.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bradley, 37, said that he hopes to emulate the 2019 Champions League winner.
"For anybody who has watched his Liverpool teams play, his Dortmund teams play – like the idea that now you are going to try to take the starting points and the ideas of some of those teams," he said. "How does that get combined with the Red Bull identity of intensity, being dynamic, and stepping onto the field no matter who you play against, to put the game on your terms and be aggressive, pushing the game?
"Yeah, that fits with who I am. That fits with what I want. And so I think, again, as a young coach, the opportunity to be here, it fits in every way."
Bradley's first match will come against the Carolina Core, led by another USMNT legend in Eddie Pope. On July 11, his Red Bulls II side will travel to Toronto to face TFC II. The match will have added significance for Bradley as Toronto FC is where he had the most success, winning both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in 2017.
"I saw when I looked on the schedule, and saw it was one of the first few games, I was excited," he said. "I've not been back to Toronto since January of 2024, and so I'm really looking forward to going back."
USA Today ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Bradley played one season for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before being sold to Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen for $250,000. At 16, he was the youngest player sold by MLS at the time. His record was eventually topped by Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union in his transfer to Manchester City when he was 14.
However, Bradley played immediately for Heerenveen, while Sullivan will join City when he turns 18. Bradley got his coaching role as a result of Ibrahim Sekagya, the former RBNY II coach, being promoted to the first-team coaching staff.
WHAT NEXT FOR BRADLEY
Bradley will make his head coaching debut this weekend.