Brad Friedel appointed head coach of MLS's New England Revolution

The former USA, Blackburn and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has been named as the new head coach of the New England Revolution.

Friedel, who also had spells at Liverpool and Tottenham in a Premier League career spanning almost two decades, had been coaching the United States’ under-19 team prior to accepting the challenge with the Major League Soccer team. He also played in MLS for Columbus Crew.

“My staff and I are delighted and honoured to have been hired by the New England Revolution,” said Friedel in a statement. “I can guarantee that we, the staff and players, will give 100% commitment to the club and our fans while looking forward to all the challenges ahead. We can’t wait to get started right away building this club for the 2018 season.”

The 46-year-old Friedel played in three World Cups for his country, including all five games when the United States reached the quarter-finals in 2002.  Friedel also made more than 450 appearances in the Premier League before announcing his retirement upon leaving Tottenham at the end of the 2014-15 season. 

The Revolution have appeared in five MLS Cup finals but have never won the title. They fired their previous coach, Jay heaps, in September after failing to make the MLS playoffs for a second year in a row. 

“While Brad’s professional playing pedigree speaks for itself, it is his competitive character and commitment to winning that make me confident his incredible career as a player will translate to success here in New England,” New England general manager Mike Burns said in a statement. “He demands the best out of himself and his players and has a strong presence both in the locker room and on the sidelines, which is why we believe he is the best choice to lead the Revolution.”