Bruce Arena: MLS should 'slow down a little bit' in league expansion

LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena has urged caution in Major League Soccer's ever-growing dream of expansion, stating that development of U.S. domestic players should take precedent over increasing the number of franchises.

MLS has expressed a desire to reach 24 teams by 2020, and league commissioner, Don Garber, said it's entirely possible MLS could have 28 teams soon after. But, as each team enters the league, Arena worries the quality of competition will suffer.

"I think we need to slow down a little bit," Arena told Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC, in regards to MLS expansion. "What we're not prepared for yet is the size of the league. As the league continues to grow and get bigger, there are issues with travel, there are issues with suitable facilities, things that don't make it easier.

"Obviously there are financial rewards for the league when they keep expanding. However, it doesn't necessarily ensure that the product is getting better. You have to be careful and balance that the right way."

While Arena admitted his team doesn't have any excuses either, boasting several international players, he was also adamant local talent needs to be prioritized.

"I happen to be of the belief that ... this league should be focused on our domestic players, and we're losing that," Arena said. "We're not the EPL, where you have these fabulous players from all around the world. I think we need to have the right balance there as well, domestic players to international.

"I know there are issues in terms of labor law and immigration status and that type of thing, but I hope we don't lose sight of that."

Ultimately, Arena said, the goal should be developing players who aren't just of sufficient quality compared to international footballers - players like Sebastian Giovinco, David Villa, and Kaka who now call MLS home. And, with that, the quality of living should increase too.

"We eventually have to get to a point where all of our players are professional players on a first-team roster (who) don't need to worry about living from paycheck to paycheck. That's my personal feeling. I think a lot of our markets in major cities, I think living at a minimum wage in those markets and asking them to be a professional athlete is asking an awful of lot."