Despite denying any interest in the job, ex-German coach Juergen Klinsmann did meet with USSF reps and has asked US Soccer for $2m a year as compensation for the job. He also has asked for major structural changes within U.S. Soccer, particularly with how the national teams programs are run, as a condition of his hiring. I have been told that went down poorly.
The rumour mill has it that the other people being talked to include: Columbus' Sigi Schmid, Houston's Dominic Kinnear and Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz. Queiroz, of course, was passed over for the job once before and penned the Project 2010 plan/report with Connecticut native and goalkeeper coach Danny Gaspar, who now coaches at the University of Hartford.
It's not a list that really leaps out at you, now is it?
I wanted Klinnsman when his name was first mentioned for the job because I thought that he would probably demand changes to the infrastructure of US Soccer. Almost anyone that has been in a successful European system would do the same.
I'm not shocked that the US Soccer geniuses weren't happy. They know everything.
They probably want someone who thinks the US Soccer system is FANTASTIC!!!
For the idiots at US Soccer to even think of objecting at the demands of Klinsmann only goes to show exactly why things are so #### up with the National Team! Every demand you listed Jaime are exactly what EVERY knowledgable fan has been demanding as well. An ENTIRE upheevel is needed to get the system back on track. Where's the proper training facility? THe ability for poor kids to get the chance to shine? Whose promoting the creativity & attacking minds? The playmakers? The goalscorers?
It seems as if the MLS mindstate is slowly creeping into the fatcats at USSF. $2 million a year plus basic fundamental changes to thinking & training from a guy who's won the WC & Euro Championship as well as the Bundesliga, Serie A, & Premiership success (not to mention his exuberence & love of the game which is down right infectious!)... sounds like a bargain to me!
Given your report on the meeting with Klinsman the names are irrelavent. Any leader worth his salt, american, foreigner or otherwise, will want things set up his way. If he cant have that why take the job? So unless USSF softens its rigidity the names will be certain to be cannon fodder.
I think US Soccer won't make the changes Klinnsman wants because they don't want to make the effort and raise the funds(or spend the funds if they already have it).
It would take some work to talk MLS, the college programs, and the youth soccer organizations to change the way they do things. It won't ever happen unless someone with a lot of cash makes it happen. That someone would have to be MLS.
But they're incompetent morons who think they invented the game ten years ago.
So as you can see, we have a problem.
Last edited by MrRedDevil on September 6th at 6:10 PM.
Where is the USSF HQ located? I think I'll arrange a trip there and let them know just what US soccer needs - a face for the media to talk about and multiple changes. But in typical arrogance that we Americans are often accused of (more often, the right accusation), the USSF prove themselves to be an ineptly run organization. The USSF is presented with golden opportunity to change things. But they pass. And we'll get some #### American coach, probably from the MLS.
The USSF sounds like they are as competent as the Ford family, owner of the Detroit Lions and Ford Motor Co. I seem to recall the German Soccer Federation was scared of Klinsmann's demands as well, but we saw how that turned out, 3rd place at the WC.
Oh yeah, those names do leap out at me - and kick me in the face.
Can they seriously be considering Sigi Schmid? What kind of football do they want the US Nats playing? I didn't know he had that many friends in US Soccer. Do they want to make sure he has a job when he gets fired again, this time from Columbus?
I hope that these rumours are all baseless. If they aren't it would only prove beyond a doubt that, Gulati or no, US Soccer is hopelessly devoid of humility, intelligence and imagination. It high time these no-nothing AYSO suits give way to folks who know something about professional football.
It really HAS to be Jurgen Klinsmann. Good coaches demand change, demand their own terms. Klinsmann brought US MEDICAL STAFF AND TRAINERS for the GERMAN World Cup team, commuted to a foreign county HE WAS COACH OF, and took massive amounts of heat from his native press - and stuck it to all of them by inspiring his team to a great run.
He is THE ONLY CHOICE for the USMNT. Quiroz? Please. He did nothing at Madrid, and is Fergie's, well, Assistant (ahem).
Klinsmann is the future, all those other candidates are Status Quo. I say go with someone who will spark change and develop interest - plus he's actually an interesting person. US Media needs a face, a focal point, and he's got charisma. Everyone knows this.
The only other choice is Arsene Wenger, who would make the USMNT play exciting, attacking football, and has a proven eye for young talent - but there's no reason he would take the job, with his new stadium, high pay, and perceived respect in Europe.
IF the USSF is serious about wanting to compete at the highest international level they must listen to the viewpoint of those who have experienced it first hand. Whether they hire Klinnsman or not they must not dismiss his suggestions/ideas as mere "power tripping" and realize that to be the best you must learn from the best. Last I checked, the Germans are an international powerhouse.
Wenger? No thanks. He'd try to find ways to bring French player into the USMNT fold. How many English players are at Arsenal? I wouldn't want him at all. Rather have Ferguson (greatest manager ever) or that pr*ck Mourinho.
Klinsmann is the only choice. All others are second rate or worse.
Before the WC, Wenger said he doesn't like international football because it is lacking the quality of play that you see in club football.
It's not that Wenger wouldn't take the gig because of Arsenal's new stadium, his big paycheck and other things. He would never take it because he thinks int'l football is ####.
I have to agree with davard, everything you said is correct. I mean what can the suits at US Soccer be thinking. I mean he took a squad no one that would do anything to a 3rd place finish for CHRIST'S SAKE!!!!! Besides I think I read that most of the money used from US Soccer is from corporate sponsors etc nike. And last I checked corporations don't like giving away money with no kind of return on their investment. They will demand RESULTS!!! So screw it HIRE KLINNSMAN MAKE THE CHANGES HE WANTS AND LETS #### OF THE REST OF THE WORLD BY BEATING THEM IN A GAME WE USUALLY SUCK AT.
Time to weigh in on a subset of the conversation here. It's time to let go of the expectation that the colleges have any ability or responsibility to develop players for future international competition.
No other country relies on colleges as a feeder system for a very simple reason: If you're not already pro material by the age of 18 (having likely apprenticed if you had ever shown such potential), you're not going to jump that hurdle by playing with and againts other amateurs. While a rare exception may emerge from time to time, it will be just that.
The U.S. colleges have been the feeder system into the U.S. pro game by default, not design. That contribution shouldn't be dismissed lightly, as U.S. Soccer has made significant strides in the past 20 years, luck and politics notwithstanding.
However, if the goal is to for the U.S. to produce a world-class National team, one must forgive the colleges from any further responsibility. Potential international footballers need to be professionals, not students (although I would ALSO like to see apprenticeships support the players' future education as backup for the vast majority whose profession won't be football).
The proper role of the college is as an alternative to a professional career, not as a training ground. Let's cut to the chase, folks. If, today, my kids had a choice of signing a meager pro contract w/ MLS or going to a top-flight University, I would counsel them to take the College route every time.
Martinho: This is a good point, but let me play devil's advocate for a minute here. If MLS is willing to give your kid a contract — signalling that someone thinks he can hack it at the pro level — wouldn't you instead try to showcase his talents in front of foreign coaches or scouts rather than sending him to the purgatory that is DI ball?
Jamie, a fair question. If we're talking about a player who has serious enough earning potential to afford the insurance policy against injury, perhaps it's worth giving up the NCAA eligibility. That said...
I'm sure you would agree that earning a scholarship to a good school is a far more reachable goal than playing even A-League or MLS, and let's not even discuss the big money leagues. Further, as most pros have brief careers and the domestic pay scale is low, a full ride to a Stanford, Michigan, or Duke offers a much better payoff, long-term.
Finally, if you have a serious injury, most of the good Academic/Athletic schools have access to excellent medical and/or rehab facilities, and you can't have your scholarship taken away due to injury (although the attempt might be made). Blow your knee at the pro level, particularly if you're a marginal pro, and you're just meat to be replaced.
And remember, even a marginal pro player was likely a standout at every other level before.
Now, questions for you? How many players do you suppose have earned Division 1 scholarships in the last 15 years. Then, how many of those had the option of turning down the kind of money that would justify bypassing the education?
And, so as not to ignore the topic, we have Klinnsman: As a coach, strong-willed enough to endure the media storm, yet flexible enough to incorporate new ideas.
As a brilliant player - smart, classy, beautifully skilled and composed, lethal in front of goal.
As a person - intelligent, articulate (in 5-6? languages), likes America and Americans, focused
What happened to Pekerman? I heard that rumor on espn's soccernet. They said that they were fed that by a source close to the USSF's interviewing process. Just wanted to know if there really is a chance that they would take such a bold move. Oh, and USSF needs to grow up. I hate this whole notion that you have to be familiar with the US system to coach here. Our US system is the worst in the world. Exclusive to middle class kids. It is so sad that US soccer is like that, afraid of Johnny Foreigner. I hope they hire someone that will rip up the system, but they will probably go with some MLS "stud".
Despite his international record at youth and senior level, I'm not sure if Pekerman would be the right choice. His English is very minimal which would make communication from the bench/sideline as well as tactics during training difficult for the players to comprehend. That said, he's better than any MLS/American candidate.
I have not heard Jose Pekerman; that said, I'm not sure he'd be the right guy. He's a fine coach, but this job will take someone willing to deal with a lot of primadonnas...
In truth, USSF doesn't a need a big name right now. They need someone to focus on the youth and development end of things. In 2008 or 09, hire a big gun. But right now, as I have said before, I'd hire a solid TD with knowledge of the youth side and the American development system, such as Finland's Tino Liekoski.
Peckerman does have a good pedigree when it comes to youth development. he was the coach of the U-20's that had Messi, Tevez, and the young Argentine stars. Some folks would argue this is his strongest suit, as his bench coaching leaves a bit to be desired at times (see q-final match v Germany). I think he'd be well suited for this aspect of the job.
Support seems to be growing slowly for my choice for US soccer coach, Hugo Sanchez. The best player ever from Mexico has built a reputation as a loud-mouthed, egotistical lout in Mexico, where he wants very badly to coach the national team. The Mexican Federation, however, disagrees.
I say let's bring Hugo here, give him a chance and see what he can do. He wants to coach. Let's do it. The heck with Jurgen Klinsmann. He's too rich, too complacent and no doubt every bit as egotistical as Hugo.
Hugo was a great player and a fan favorite, along with Leonardo Cuellar, when they played for San Diego in the NASL.
Sanchez proved he can coach in the Mexican League by winning two titles, and Cuellar, the former Mexican women's coach, has been rumored to be on board already with our Under-17s.
Keep Mooch Myernick on the staff for continuity and because the players love him.
Mexico is our main rival in this region, but we've never won in Azteca Stadium. Put Hugo behind the bench next time we go to Mexico City and let the fun begin.
Besides that, the TV ratings will soar through the roof.
So what if he's a bit irritating at times. We can harness that and put it to our advantage. Give Hugo a healthy paycheck and the respect he deserves, and I can see him doing a great job.
Is sad,seing the arrogance of the USSF on this issue.Carlos Queiroz did a wonderfull report
years ago about youth soccer in USA.But what
changed from that time till now? NOTHING.
To many "soccer rocket cientists" when soccer
is above all an "ART",who many youth coaches just
cut it the creativity of players just to transform
the sames in robots.
Until the American players reach an individual
hight technical status,we don`t go no were! It is
insane seing 4 years old kid`s just contacting the
ball with cleats.They must start to do it at bare
foot in the sand,grass.
Because the hope is the last thing to lose,let me
keep hopping this situation will changed someday.
We have millions of kid`s playing soccer,we have
the money,the fields,but we going in the wrong
direction.
Carlos Verissimo
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