Just like the rest of us, LAFC head coach Bob Bradley can't wait for MLS to return. Whenever that may be.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MLS released a statement on Tuesday that it is "extremely unlikely" the league will return in mid-May. Many scenarios are being discussed about how a return to play could be facilitated.
One option that most leagues around the world are considering would be playing games without fans, as health leaders recommend against large gatherings. It's not ideal, but Bradley endorses it.
"I miss the game so much, I miss training every day," Bradley told reporters on a Zoom call Tuesday. "I miss the games, most of all I miss going into the stadium, looking around feeling the crowd and the atmosphere. But if that’s not possible right away, I still think it’s going to be important that we show our fans that the game is going again. If it’s without fans, it’s not forever.
“That ability to reconnect and show everybody that the game continues will be very important," he added.
LAFC have enjoyed some of the most vibrant support since joining MLS, with the boisterous supporters' group the 3252 always bringing the party. Even if the club resumes play behind closed doors at first, Bradley thinks the players will still have the fans with them in some way.
“The connection we have with our supporters is key," Bradley said. "I think all of us will look into those stands and, in our case, we’ll see the 3252. We’ll see those people who come every time to the Banc of California Stadium and are there with us. You’ve got to find ways in tough times to adapt. It’s not what any player in the world would want, and in reality, a game without fans has no soul, but this is different."
Bradley has had to coach in an empty stadium before.
He was the Egyptian national team manager during the Arab Spring of 2011. After the Port Said Stadium riot, the domestic league was suspended. When the national team began World Cup qualifiers, there were no fans allowed.
“The first home qualifier in Alexandria against Mozambique was played in an empty stadium," Bradley said. "It was an eerie feeling. I remember when we trained in the stadium the night before, we gathered everybody and said ‘try to look into the stands and imagine there’s 90 million Egyptians here. Because if they had the chance, they’d be here with us.'"
Bradley draws comparisons from that time in the world to now, particularly with the unknown. The key contrast is that before long he was able to assemble his team, plan training camps and look forward to games.
“The only thing that was very different, we still had a World Cup qualifying schedule," Bradley said. "Once we got through those initial days following [the] Port Said [stadium riot], we found ways to set up camps and games. When we got together and were able to look at each other, interact, that made a huge difference. The ability to connect with people right now when you’re not actually with them, that’s what we have right now. Doing it in different ways.”
The increased time at home has allowed Bradley to reconnect with people he may not have. He's also been glad to help out young coaches who seek advice from the long-time accomplished manager, including going through training sessions.
On top of awaiting the return of MLS, LAFC were enjoying a strong start to the Concacaf Champions League. Despite losing the first leg to Liga MX's Club Leon in the Round of 16, Bradley's men delivered a memorable 3-0 win in leg two to advance. As things stand, they'd be set to play Cruz Azul if the competition resumes.
“I don’t think there’s been any updates," Bradley said. "Our understanding is that it’s all being looked at, obviously we hope to have the chance to continue in the Champions League.”
