AMSTERDAM – New Le Havre manager Bob Bradley endured a tough sideline debut as the Ligue 2 visitors fell 2-0 against sixth-flight mites St. Omer in Coupe de France action on Saturday night.
The Sky-and-Navy never recovered after conceding twice in the first half. It marked just the third time Bradley has dropped his opening match for a team, following debut defeats with both the MetroStars and the Egypt national team.
The visitors were missing three starters to international duty, including skipper Steven Fortes, but the boss was in no mood for excuses.
"The cup is the same everywhere," Bradley told reporters after the loss. "You must be prepared in the early rounds for teams that will give everything. The first goal came from a corner kick, it gives St. Omer confidence and the job is much harder for us.
"I think we still tried to push the game in a better way, but it requires a football play at the end. For the whole day, I think we didn't create enough chances."
The former US national team coach was unveiled this past week by Le Havre, a club owned by ambitious American Vincent Volpe. The Normandy crew are making no secret of the hope that Bradley can lead them back to Ligue 1.
"I know the history of Le Havre," Bradley told the official club website on Thursday. "I know it's the oldest club in France. I know that is has an excellent academy.
"I also realize that in the moment it's an excellent football project... And a team that's motivated to move forward."
Next up, Bradley and his new charges will wager their four-game Ligue 2 win streak when ninth-place Brest comes to town on Friday night.
