Bob Bradley has urged Donald Trump to drop “divisive and ugly” tactics to help America’s ambition to stage the Olympic Games and World Cup.
The Swansea City manager – who managed the USA national side – is concerned that President-elect Trump could harm his country’s attempts to stage the 2024 Olympics in Los Angeles as well and hosting of the 2026 World Cup.
Trump’s comments during his election campaign about banning Muslims from entering the country, building a wall along the Mexican border, and withdrawing from international organisations has raised fears that America could miss out on staging the world’s two biggest sporting events.
Addressing those concerns, Bradley – who guided the USA into the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup – said: “Everything that the President does in terms of domestic policy and international relations determines how you are received in all different areas, including sports.
“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 has not worked in his homeland since a five-year reign as USA boss came to an end in 2011.
The 58-year-old spent two years in charge of the Egypt national team before having successful spells at Stabaek in Norway and Le Havre in France.
He then became the first American to manage in the Premier League when he was appointed Swansea boss at the start of October.
But Bradley kept a close eye on the bitter battle for the White House between Trump and Hillary Clinton, and believes the views of the President-elect does not represent traditional American values.
“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.”
