Bob Bradley: Donald Trump needs to change to help US World Cup bid
Tuesday 22 November 2016 23:44, UK
Donald Trump's "divisive and ugly" presidential campaign could impact on the United States' World Cup bid, says Bob Bradley.
The USA are in the running to host the 2024 Olympics in Los Angeles while the US Soccer Federation has expressed interest in bidding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, either alone or with neighbours Mexico.
Swansea manager Bradley, who guided the USA into the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup, is concerned the President-elect's policies could affect the nation's chances of being awarded either sporting event.
"Everything that the President does in terms of domestic policy and international relations determines how you are received in all different areas, including sports," said Bradley.
"The next World Cup is in Russia and, when you take some of the things that are going on between Russia and Ukraine, there is going to be debate before the tournament.
"I can only hope moving forward that the responsibilities of the job of President will show a marked difference from what we saw throughout the campaign."
Bradley's appointment as Swansea boss at the start of October made him the first American to manage in the Premier League, having ended his five-year spell as USA national boss in 2011.
Bradley has since managed in France and Norway, as well as a two-year stint in charge of Egypt, and has issued a strong stance on the campaign between Trump and Hilary Clinton, admitting he does not support Trump's policies.
"I didn't like any part of the Trump campaign, I can't stand this type of message," Bradley said.
"I can't put up with the type of values that don't include an understanding of people that come from different backgrounds.
"And I can't put up with values that don't take into account that people sometimes don't have everything that you have.
"I think our country was built upon caring about people who came from different places.
"I guess if you want to be optimistic you just have to hope that the responsibilities of the job make a big difference in the way Trump handles himself.
"Because if you just go by the campaign, for me it was divisive and ugly."
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