New England Revolution coach Brad Friedel doesn’t seem shook by the blockbuster deal that sent Lee Nguyen to Los Angeles FC.
Friedel was asleep in the early-morning hours when the Nguyen deal officially closed and he was sent to LAFC for a combination of resources that has the potential to equal $950,000 of allocation money and a conditional draft pick.
“There wasn’t much of a reaction,” Friedel told reporters after training Wednesday. “I spoke to Lee this morning. He thanked us for everything and I thanked him for everything and wished him the best of luck.
“I’ve said, many times: there’s never been a personal issue between Lee and myself. I sincerely hope he enjoys his time at LAFC.”
Friedel went on to outline what he expects from his players.
“Anybody who’s committed and anybody who works hard, they have a chance to play. That goes for every player across the board,” Friedel said. “There’s a plan for every single player we ever have under contract to get themselves into the team, but they have to be committed and work hard.”
Back in December, Friedel said Nguyen wouldn’t be traded after reports surfaced that he asked the Revolution front office for a transfer.
Friedel, Nguyen and the Revolution then went down a long, confusing road that finally came to a close with Tuesday’s deadline deal.
Nguyen sat out the first three weeks of preseason, continued to get rebuffed on reportedly multiple transfer requests, and endured criticism regarding his commitment to the Revolution – a team he captained a year ago – from fans and coaches alike.
Regardless, all sides have now moved on.
The Revolution have at least $700,000 in financial resources and nearly $500,000 in shaved salary cap space to sign new players once the transfer window reopens for Major League Soccer teams July 10.
Friedel is pleased with the team he’s got, but is also satisfied with the budget at his disposal should he seek reinforcements. The first-year Revs coach said he’s interested in potentially adding two more players this summer.
“I’ve always been given the resources I need,” Friedel said. “I’ve said this many, many times: I’m given budget numbers and we know where to go in the world to get players under the certain numbers. If we have a little bit more to spend, then [Club President Brian Bilello] and [General Manager Mike Burns] will let me know the next time we have a meeting.
“If we feel it’s necessary to spend the funds, they’ll be available. If we don’t and we can get the player or players [for] less than what we have available, then that’s great. But rest assured, anyone we bring through this door is going to be in the hopes of making the squad stronger and more competitive. Players fight for their places and all with the onus of trying to get three points.”