RB Leipzig News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michael Bradley Focused on Bringing Out Red Bulls’ Potential

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 4:33 PM ET

It wasn’t very long ago that Michael Bradley was competing across MLS stadiums in the heart of central midfield.

After hanging up his boots following his final season with Toronto FC in 2023, Bradley began his coaching journey at Norwegian side Stabæk Fotball as an assistant to a highly-experienced former United States national team head coach.

That coach was, of course, his father, Bob Bradley. Michael would further his coaching development by serving as a guest assistant for Canada during June 2025 international matches. Soon after, he accepted the job of MLS Next Pro side Red Bull New York II, following Ibrahim Sekagya’s promotion to a full-time assistant coach for the Red Bulls’ first team.

Bradley led Red Bull II, A.K.A. the Baby Bulls, to immediate success in his first season in charge by winning the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Championship over Colorado Rapids 2.

The 38-year-old was installed as head coach of the big club after the Red Bulls parted ways with Sandro Schwarz in the aftermath of the club’s first playoffless season in 15 years.

Since taking over as Red Bull New York first team head coach in December 2025, Bradley has been meticulously preparing his players for the grind of the upcoming 34-match MLS season.

As a former captain of the United States national team who was recognized for the hardworking attributes that allowed him to make 151 international appearances, Bradley is the ideal guide for a Red Bulls roster that has been reconfigured in a younger, more dynamic mold by head of sport Julian de Guzman.

"We try every day to create an environment where there's good training, where there's good discussion, where there's good work," Bradley said during Monday's media availability. "We try to connect the dots every single day for the players in terms of why we do certain things, how we connect training to the game when we are moving through a week."

Bradley wants his players to ask questions and challenge themselves during training and video sessions. He is impressed by the application that his players are bringing to each day of training.

"They've been from the first day open and excited and asked questions," Bradley said. "The best part is that when we show things or talk about things, then you see immediate application. You see immediately that guys are stepping on the field and trying to do the things that we're talking about."

Nealis Praises Bradley's Clear Communication Style

New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis in action during the first half against the Columbus Crew at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Defender Dylan Nealis is one of three players who started in the 2024 MLS Cup final defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy who remain on the 2026 roster. Captain Emil Forsberg and right-back/right-winger Cameron Harper are the others.

The 27-year-old is now one of the more experienced Red Bulls, and he spoke of the difference that he sees in Bradley's training methods and communication style.

"I think just his ideas and philosophies have been a lot more clearer than maybe they have in the past here," Nealis said. "Being super clear with the young attackers in spots he wants them, areas we want to focus on, whether it's making runs or checking, coming to support. I think just the ideas have been a lot more clearer than years past here."

With New York's February 21st MLS season opener away to Orlando City soon approaching, Bradley has enjoyed the experience of relaying his wisdom and building one-on-one relationships with his players.

"I try to use that to my advantage in every way the part of being able to connect with these guys of being able to relate to them," Bradley said. "That is a huge part of being a good coach is the environment that you create and the way that you are able to connect to your players in every way."

Bradley desires to create an atmosphere where players are pushed but also supported by the coaching staff.

"How do you balance the part of an environment where there are real standards and where there's a demand every day for people to be at their best and what people feel like there is real competition for everything that we're doing," Bradley detailed. "How do you balance that part with ultimately creating an environment where people feel a part of something. Every day when they walk through the doors are excited to be here and feel good about the work and what we're doing.

"I try to use every advantage that I have to create the best possible atmosphere for these guys every day."

Bradley has already instilled plenty of ideas and footballing philosophies in the minds of his Red Bull players. We'll soon learn how quickly they can apply his teachings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: