While fans may be a little concerned about his appointment, the former USA boss clearly doesn’t share any doubts.
New Swansea City manager Bob Bradley told Sirius XM FC radio earlier this year that he believes he ranks alongside some of the world’s most esteemed coaches.
Bradley’s appointment at the Liberty Stadium was confirmed on Monday afternoon after the struggling Swans parted company with veteran Italian Francesco Guidolin (below) following Saturday’s narrow defeat to Liverpool.
The 58-year-old made his name with the USA national team, guiding them to the second-round of the 2010 World Cup, but his arrival in South Wales has taken many by surprise with his experience in European club coaching limited to short stints at Norwegian side Stabaek and French second division outfit Le Havre.
However, the New Jersey native believes his nationality has impeded any opportunities he may have had to further his career in Europe and believes he is as talented as the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp (below).
“Take out the American tag for a second and here’s how it works: around the world, there’s some great managers and for every great one there’s some that aren’t so good,” Bradley told Sirius XM FC radio.
“When I get the chance to observe other managers that do good work, Pochettino, Klopp, Tuchel, the Guardiolas and the Ancelottis, maybe I’m stupid but I think I’m a manager in and around that level.
“I’m not saying I’m better than these guys, I haven’t had those kinds of opportunities but I think that people who have played for me have always felt that the experience in the team was different, that training was challenging, and there were a lot of things done to help them become better players and better people.”
Regardless of his own opinion, Bradley’s lack of stature in the English game means he will be under pressure to deliver on such comments from the off.
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