Gonzalez calls Arena absence ‘bizarre’ amid MLS investigation

Arena has been suspended since August 1 pending an MLS investigation

New England Revolution defender Omar González has said he and his teammates are completely in the dark when it comes to the ongoing absence of head coach Bruce Arena.

On August 1, Arena was placed on administrative leave amid a MLS investigation into allegations of “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.”

There have been no updates since the initial announcement, with assistant coach Richie Williams having taken charge as interim head coach.

As the investigation continues, González appeared on CBS’s “Morning Footy” on Thursday to give an update on his team’s mental state.

“First and foremost, the team is together. The locker room is tight,” the veteran defender said in remarks transcribed by The Blazing Musket.

“This did come from left field. It’s just bizarre what’s going on. Still really have no idea what happened, what’s going on. Guys are hoping that Bruce will be back soon and get ready to kick off the second half of the season and continue the way that we’ve been going.

“We’re doing really well. On our best days when everyone is healthy, we can match up against anyone. We can go toe to toe with anyone. We have a talented roster, we play well together, and we’re just a tough team to play against.

“Having Bruce back will help us in the latter part of the season. Everyone is just laser focused right now. We got kicked out of Leagues Cup a little earlier than we’d like. Now we have this time to train, get everyone ready, hopefully get everyone back healthy — no hiccups there — and we can just hit the second half running.”

Under Williams, the Revs advanced past the Leagues Cup round of 32 with a penalty shootout win over Atlas, before falling in another shootout to Querétaro in the last 16.

They return to MLS play next weekend against CF Montréal.

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