On Friday, the New York Red Bulls decided to part ways with head coach Chris Armas ahead of a weekend matchup against the Philadelphia Union.
The match pits rivals against each other, as the Red Bulls look to jumpstart their 2020 after a dispiriting 1-0 loss to D.C. United. It would have pit friends and former teammates against each other on the touchline, as Jim Curtin and Armas were key contributors together with the Chicago Fire from 2001-07.
Speaking at a virtual press conference ahead of Philly's match against the Red Bulls on Sunday (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info), Curtin reflected on the news of Armas' dismissal from RBNY.
"It hurts, man," Curtin said. "I’m upset. I’ve been saddened by it, Chris is a guy who taught me so much in the game.”
Curtin and the Union earned the club's first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoffs win last season at the expense of Armas and the Red Bulls, a thrilling 4-3 affair.
"Chris is a close friend," Curtin said. "I can’t speak to the goings-on behind the scenes, but I can speak to the quality person Chris Armas is. The quality person. He brought them a Supporters’ Shield. It’s always difficult when someone loses their job, it’s the hard part of the game. Often times in pro sports when things are going well it’s ‘family, family, family,’ but when things get difficult it’s ‘business, business, business.’”
Curtin remains one of the longest-tenured head coach across the league, having originally taken charge of the Union as an interim head coach during the 2014 season. Days like Friday remind him to take a step back and cherish his longevity in Philly, an uncommonly long reign in a job that seems to have more and more turnover across the globe.
“I’m grateful I have ownership that was patient and believed in the vision we had," Curtin said. "Did it in a unique way, maybe a slower build, but you’re seeing some of the benefits now. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had here. I don’t take things for granted here at all.”
