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July 29, 2011
In the midst of all this wild NFL news and rumor, there was something strange trending on Twitter. Jürgen Klinsmann’s name was amongst the words, even if just for a little bit. That’s exciting as a fan of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT.)
The team fired former coach Bob Bradley July 28th and worked quickly to hire Jürgen Klinsmann (or announce his hiring) on July 29th. Bradley’s future has been in doubt ever since the end of the last World Cup, but it was assumed by most once he survived that tourney with his job intact that he would be around for a while. He signed an extension with U.S. soccer that would have carried him to the 2014 World Cup. Unfortunately, a disappointing showing in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup was enough to seal his fate.
Jürgen Klinsmann was a desirable target for most U.S. soccer fans immediately following the 2010 World Cup’s disappointing loss to Ghana. I’ll have fond memories of the 2010 World Cup, but honestly it took an improbable game of ridiculous heroics by Landon Donovan and the boys against Algeria winning in almost absolutely the last possible seconds. (See my favorite video below.)
So Bob Bradley is now gone. Jürgen Klinsmann is in. The United States won’t have much time to figure things out as they have a “friendly” against arch-rival Mexico in Philly on August 10th at 8:30 PM. I believe coverage will be on ESPN2.
That isn’t a lot of time for Klinsmann to determine who will – and more importantly won’t – be called up to represent their country. Most expect Klinsmann to look to put his own stamp on the roster as compared with Bradley’s vision of the team. Should be an interesting week and a half for those of us who follow the USMNT.
11 Comments
This is a big deal if you’re a soccer fan. Bradley led a resurgence for mens soccer but ultimately fell short like his predecessors. Klinsmann coached a very good German side in the 2006 world cup and he’s they guy they wanted instead of Bradley in the first place. I think this is a big time positive move for the MNT, they just have to make sure he sticks around a few years.
I’m not certain how long Klinsmann ultimately stays, but I have high hopes that he can get a system in place and get the US playing top-quality soccer, and not just going for conditioning and grit. Love this move.
Was a bit concerned when they fired Bradley because firing the coach is the easiest part. But if you are going to make a change, you need to bring in a big name like Klinsmann.
This is also the right time because the team doesn’t start the next World Cup cycle until next June so there is nothing between know and then but friendlies that will help him evaluate the team.
good news, i think.
will be interested to see if our ‘a’ team plays vs MEX in two weeks or if landycakes sits due to a headache (or whatever) like he did against ESP. im hoping klinsmann takes these friendlies more seriously than bradley did.
His on-set discussion after the Ghana loss of what the USMNT needs to do and the USSF needs to do institutionally sold me on him. It’s unfortunate for everyone involved that they held on to Bradley for a bit longer, but hopefully Klinsmann can get the entire soccer federation moving in the right direction.
@Denny – I felt the same way. His critiques of US soccer seemed right on the money. I was sold. I hope he has enough power to really change some of our approach. I’m looking forward to what he can do.
Bornstein has obtained his last cap. Let’s have a moment of silence for his international career.
Thank god. I wish this move had been made immediately after the World Cup, but better now than even later.
Guten Tag, Herr Klinsmann!!
I’ve always loved this guy as our next coach. The US Fed must feel that they have a real chance at the next cup, otherwise they wouldn’t waste the hire. Can’t wait til the Mexico friendly.
I wouldn’t get too excited for 8/10: not nearly enough time to do anything radical in terms of tactics or personnel. It would be nice to see the players who do get out there put forth some “payback for the GC Final” effort, but we shall see.
I love this. The real question is how much power Klinsmann is going to get over the developmental program, which from what i understand, was the sticking point on why he wasnt hired years ago (he wanted a lot, and the USSF wouldnt give it to him). I hope Klinsmann gets his way, because we need to pump some new life into the US soccer program. This means paying our players top dollar, which entices our best athletes to play and not give up the sport so they can become top caliber football, baseball, or basketball stars.
By the way, that video is arguably my favorite YouTube video of all time. Even for those of you that hate soccer, I dare you to name another sporting event that unites our ENTIRE country!! The Olympics, Winter Olympics, etc dont do justice to what the World Cup does for nations. It is the HANDS DOWN greatest sporting event ever, just because it doesnt put city vs city together and instead puts the entire world against each other. Its like a WW without the violence. Nothing compares.
This isn’t just a case of “firing a coach”. Hiring Klinsmann is a sign that the USSF is looking at changing the way we develop youth talent in this country and moving towards a more attacking style of soccer.