View Full Version : Klinsmann Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team
A first class coach for the men’s national soccer team – this could be promising.
Klinsmann Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati named Jürgen Klinsmann as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team today, making him the 35th coach in the history of the program.
July 29, 2011
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/07/Klinsmann-Named-Head-Coach-of-US-MNT.aspx
Klinsmann is one of my all-time favorite players.
Hope he coaches the US as well as he has some club teams.
Klinsmann is one of my all-time favorite players.
Hope he coaches the US as well as he has some club teams.
Agree - he also had great success with a German National Team - that team was fun to watch in the tournament - from the article - "In July of 2004, Klinsmann was named manager of the German National Team. He guided Germany to a 20-8-6 record and a third place finish in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, earning him Coach of the Year honors in Germany."
The USA is getting a coach that has both played and coached at the highest levels - experiencing success at both.
While most of the USA won't notice - the world will notice - I wish him and Team USA the best of luck under its new leadership - maybe this will light a fire under a recently under-performing men's side.
I have always liked Klinsmann and he should be a great asset, but I think there will be many a pissed-off, present-day American national team player if his coaching stint with the German national team is any indication. When he took over the German national team he initially made quite a few enemies by getting rid of alot of the older, more established German players. He went with a younger, faster team and based his selections more on present ability and not on past glory. Until the team started winning many a German fan and former national player wanted his head on a platter.
If nothing else, the games should be a little more interesting since he has always been more offensively minded.
Hope he does well, but initially I think it will be bloody.
PedOncoDoc
07-30-2011, 04:36
When he took over the German national team he initially made quite a few enemies by getting rid of alot of the older, more established German players. He went with a younger, faster team and based his selections more on present ability and not on past glory.
Thankfully past glory is not a major issue on our team. It should be interesting to see how the US national team looks in 1-2 years compared to our current team.
incarcerated
07-30-2011, 10:25
A lot will depend on what we give him to work with. All the same, this is exciting news!
Hope he does well, but initially I think it will be bloody.
I completely agree. The US MNT is currently a mess - too many players that don't have good overall fundamentals are making it based on one phase of their game (mainly offense). I foresee major changes in the defense - currently the defenders are rigid, unable to adapt, and completely suck at moving the ball (and themselves) up field to start the attack. I would love to see someone with the skills of Carles Puyol back at sweeper. For all his hype Onyewu isn't even close to a complete player at defense - he's been burned more than once by simple plays that most U12 travel teams understand, and his attempts at offensive play are, frankly, terrible.
It is also quite significant that Klinsmann negotiated complete control over the youth team coaches. That is where the major changes need to be made. The U19 team I watched a few weeks ago lacked focus on the field, and were more than content to just play individual ball. The most current issue of the NSCAA Soccer Journal really lays out some good information on what the US is lacking in comparison to other countries. We have the talent, but the coaching is a complete mess all the way around. Our academy system is a complete joke compared to England, Spain, and others.
U.S. Men's National Team to Face Mexico on Wednesday (tonight) in Philadelphia
Dear U.S. Soccer Fan -
I am honored and excited to be addressing you for the first time as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team. This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family, and we appreciate all the support you have given us so far.
Soccer in the United States has come a long way in the last 20 years, and as a long-time resident of California I have seen firsthand the growth of the sport in this country. There has been great work done by the previous coaches of the U.S. National Team and many accomplishments to be proud of, and I intend to build on that foundation. Having played abroad in different countries has given me a different perspective, and while I have my own ideas for the program, it is important to make sure these ideas suit the American game.
Everyone will have their voices heard, from fellow coaches to members of the media, and especially you the fans. I deeply believe that soccer in a certain way reflects the culture of a country, and together we will develop a team and a style that truly represents the character of the United States.
During the next few months, I will be taking advantage of the tremendous resources that already exist here to develop a clear understanding of the direction we should take this team and this program. We will have the chance to look at a variety of players in upcoming friendlies, and I will also bring in different assistant coaches to learn from their experience and put together a staff that can help us achieve our goals.
Our first challenge has come upon us quickly, and we are facing a very strong Mexican team. For this first roster we have selected a lot of experienced veterans, as well as some younger players who we hope can have a bright future. As we begin this journey, it is important for all the players to understand that there will be a healthy competition for spots on the team, and that they must never rest or feel satisfied.
This is a very exciting time for U.S. Soccer and for our team. If you aren't able to join us at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this Wednesday evening, we hope you are able to watch the match on ESPN2, ESPN3.com or Univision as this next phase begins.Thanks again for all your support. Enjoy the game.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Head Coach
U.S. Men's National Team
PedOncoDoc
08-10-2011, 21:09
US started with a shaky first half, but some great substitutions in the second half produced some beautiful play, an equalizing goal and ultmately a draw. A good first showing as the coach - if not for some soft officiating this could have been a US win - a penalty should have been called and at least one red card against Mexico.
Originally posted by PedOncoDoc:
US started with a shaky first half, but some great substitutions in the second half produced some beautiful play, an equalizing goal and ultmately a draw. A good first showing as the coach - if not for some soft officiating this could have been a US win - a penalty should have been called and at least one red card against Mexico.
Shaky? In addition to your medical skills you have also mastered the art of understatement. :rolleyes:
In the first half the U.S. team was non-existant. They never even bothered to chase a 50-50 ball. Mexico was walking around them.
The only thing that made a difference was the substitutions made with only 20 minutes or so left in the game. Brek Shea was a monster. He fought hard for every ball that was within 20 meters of him and won most. Then suddenly others on the team started to do the same. It is amazing how infectious it can be when one person demonstrates what can be done on a pitch.
Congratulations to Klinsmann. The next game is in about 3 weeks. Now let the cutting of players and bleeding begin. Bradley is gone if this game is any indication. :boohoo
Shaky? In addition to your medical skills you have also mastered the art of understatement. :rolleyes:
In the first half the U.S. team was non-existant. They never even bothered to chase a 50-50 ball. Mexico was walking around them.
The only thing that made a difference was the substitutions made with only 20 minutes or so left in the game. Brek Shea was a monster. He fought hard for every ball that was within 20 meters of him and won most. Then suddenly others on the team started to do the same. It is amazing how infectious it can be when one person demonstrates what can be done on a pitch.
Congratulations to Klinsmann. The next game is in about 3 weeks. Now let the cutting of players and bleeding begin. Bradley is gone if this game is any indication. :boohoo
Absolutely agree. Bradley was terrible last night, he half-assed it on every ball that came his way. Klinsmann got a good look at the youth on the team, and I fully expect he will give notice to the perennial starters to shape up or ship out. I saw a number of players that seem to have some sort of entitlement mentality that is a holdover from Bob Bradley, who rarely changed starters, regardless of performance. Mexico, although they were missing some talent at striker, showed some real weakness in their defensive midfield that should have been exploited in the first half. I wouldn't be surprised to see Shea starting the next game.
Officiating was poor to say the least. The US should have been down to 10 in the first half and Mexico should have been down to 10 in the second half. It was a professional foul, but a red card nonetheless. Landon should have had a PK as well. International friendly or not, FIFA needs to get their crap together. There are just too many cases where officials are deciding the outcome of games, especially at the international level.
Here are some quick observations at this very early stage of Klinsmann’s coaching tenure:
• There were no names on last night’s team uniforms - a message might have been sent.
• The enthusiasm displayed by one of the greats of the game was on display and should prove infectious to the young men selected to play for this team.
• IMO, Donovan‘s post-game interview displayed a genuine appreciation of the coach - it has been a while since we have seen that.
• To echo what others have said - this will take time and new faces - but the last 30 minutes of the second half provided a glimpse of how this game and this team can be fun to watch...and more importantly to play for.
Sep. 2, 2011 U.S. Men vs. Costa Rica 8 p.m. PT
The Home Depot Center
Carson, Calif.
ESPN2, ESPN3.com, Galavision
Originally posted by tonyz:
U.S. Men vs. Costa Rica 8 p.m. PT tonight
Tonyz,
Thanks for the heads-up. When I initially saw that there was a new post in this thread I thought that I had missed the game. I knew it was coming up but I have been busy with things.
Should be an interesting game on many levels. What line-up changes will be made if any? If no line-up changes how soon does he bring in subs? How the U.S. will do against CR?
Thanks again,
Tress
Tress, you're welcome - see some info on roster changes below.
Enjoy,
TZ
"When Jurgen Klinsmann released the U.S. roster for the upcoming MNT games against Costa Rica and Belgium, fans may have been surprised to see Michael Bradley not on the list. The midfielder has been a constant presence throughout his national team career, but Klinsmann left Bradley off the roster along with a few other names as they sorted out their club situations."
MNT VS. COSTA RICA & BELGIUM - Roster
http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/US-Men/2011-Rosters/110825-MNT-vs-CRC-BEL.aspx
Michael Bradley not being on the roster is a start in the right direction. So is deleting Onokawea or whatever he freaking name is. One of the worst central defenders that I have ever seen.
Glad to see Tab Ramos on the staff. I remember him from when he was a little kid attending a soccer camp where I was one of the counselors. Hard-nosed little bastard. He could not stand being beaten by anyone. Even someone twice his size and age. Maybe some of that clean, hard-nosed style of play will rub off on the team.
Actually John Harkes and Tony Meola also went to that same camp. Harkes was a whining punk and Meola only worried about how pretty he looked in the air.
Tress
Michael Bradley not being on the roster is a start in the right direction. So is deleting Onokawea or whatever he freaking name is. One of the worst central defenders that I have ever seen.
Glad to see Tab Ramos on the staff. I remember him from when he was a little kid attending a soccer camp where I was one of the counselors. Hard-nosed little bastard. He could not stand being beaten by anyone. Even someone twice his size and age. Maybe some of that clean, hard-nosed style of play will rub off on the team.
Actually John Harkes and Tony Meola also went to that same camp. Harkes was a whining punk and Meola only worried about how pretty he looked in the air.
Tress
Agree on MB.
I always loved Tab Ramos - tough and skilled.
Also, agree with your observations on Oguchi Onyewu - he was never skilled enough (nor did he have sufficient positional sense) to play at the national team level and has lost two or more steps since his first call up.
I had the privilege to "work" for an old timer named Hubert Vogelsinger about a hundred years ago.
Unbelievable! What a difference a few new players, a new coach and three weeks can make. That was a fantastic 1st half no matter the score or the lack thereof.
The entire team chased down the Ticos almost every time of the few times that the Ticos had the ball. Forwards no longer lounge around waiting to be spoon-fed a goal. They are taking chances going forward. Mid-fielders were all over the pitch smothering the Ticos and never giving them a chance with the ball. Defenders never gave the opposition a chance to get comfortable and slow down the ball. It is amazing what a little hustle can do.
It almost looked like the US was playing two-touch almost the entire time and doing it well. Yeah there were a few mistakes, especially when finishing in front of the goal, but overall this was a very, very entertaining first half. I just hope they can keep it up for another 45 minutes. If the US men can keep up this pace and style of play over the span of the next few games I may start to really pay attention and maybe even try to take in a game or two.
Tress
While at worst the play was even in thesecond half, it was still a better US half than how they normally played in most previous games. They came out a little slow and seemingly tired from the first half. They were not challenging for the ball like they did in the first half. And they still had problems finishing in front of the Tico goal, but that will come with a little more time and effort.
In my eyes Donovan really slowed down in the second half along with several others. They seemed to revert back to their old style of pissing and moaning and groaning after being fouled or just losing the ball instead of just getting up and chasing right away. A momentary defensive break-down cost them a goal and the game, but overall a much better product than past teams.
Tress
The team seems to be developing a bit more flair - the two-touch, hustle, and better passing was evident much of the match.
Costa Rica plays a style that obviously frustrates the US - like two fighters - some teams just match up with a style that wears down an opponent and the Ticos do that to the US - always have.
Now, if we can just develop an intensity (and some finishing) in the final third of the field we just might become dangerous. We are already known as being a team that is relativley tough to beat. On to Belgium !
Though the announcers called the game a moral victory for the U.S., I did not see it that way. The team showed only flickers of that drive that they had in the first half against Costa Rica. They played a better game than they did prior to Kilinsmann, but their style and pace did not advance at all.
Belgium scored on a strike from just outside the box that skipped on the rain soaked field and did not take a true bounce. That was to be expected with that kind of weather. I remember loving playing in the rain. I would shoot on goal whenever I got the chance. You never know what the ball will do in weather like that.
Clint Dempsey seemed out of synch with the rest of the team. He held the ball alot longer than any other U.S. player. He has alot of skill and drive, but if Klinsmann is pushing a two-touch style of play and Dempsey does not deliver, he might be part of the cut.
John Harkes talked incessantly about the fact that they just played Costa Rica a few days ago, the 10 hour flight and being the visiting team. I am sorry but I doubt that they had to make their own flight and hotel arrangements, drive to and from the airports or sat in coach/economy seating. All the things that tire you mentally and/or physically. I am not buying it. Two games in four days is not that rough unless you are injured. Games every three to four days is World Cup pace.
Tress
October 8th and 11th - from the US Mens' National team site
CHICAGO (Sept. 12, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s National Team will host Ecuador in an international friendly on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Kickoff for the USA’s first match in Red Bull Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and Univision. Fans can also follow along on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and Twitter @ussoccer.
The match will be the second for U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in four days in early October as the U.S. will face Honduras three days earlier on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Both matches fall during an international fixture window, which gives Klinsmann the opportunity to call in a full complement of players.
“We want to expose the team to as many styles as possible, and we know the quality of Ecuador,” said Klinsmann. “We are also excited for the opportunity to play in Red Bull Arena. The stadium is one of the best soccer-specific venues in the United States and we are looking forward to playing our first ever national team match in Harrison.”
The U.S. only holds a 2-4-4 record against Ecuador, but both wins have come in the last two meetings. After only scoring two goals in eight games (both in a 2-2 draw on Dec. 2, 1984), the U.S. finally earned their first victory against Ecuador on March 10, 2002, with a 1-0 victory in Birmingham, Ala. that saw U.S. goalkeeper and New Jersey native Tim Howard earn his first cap and first shutout. In the next match of the series, the U.S. was led by all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan who registered a hat trick in a 3-1 victory on March 25, 2007, in Tampa, Fla.
Ecuador has qualified for two FIFA World Cups, in 2002 and 2006, and just missed the South American playoff spot during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Ecuador will be traveling to the United States directly following its opening 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Oct. 7 when the team hosts Venezuela.
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/09/US-to-Face-Ecuador-Oct-11-at-Red-Bull-Arena.aspx
USA plays Slovenia today - other notable matches include: Germany vs. Netherlands, Colombia vs. Argentina and England vs. Sweden.
Spain and Portugal are also in action.
Here is the viewing schedule for Tuesday's international matches:
TUESDAY'S SOCCER ON TV
12 p.m. - ESPN2/ESPN3.com/Galavision - Slovenia vs. United States
2 p.m. - DirecTV - Grenada vs. Guatemala
2 p.m. - ESPN3.com - Croatia vs. Turkey
2:15 p.m. - ESPN3.com - Montenegro vs. Czech Republic
2:40 p.m. - ESPN3.com - Republic of Ireland vs. Estonia
2:45 p.m. - ESPN3.com - Germany vs. Netherlands
3 p.m. - Fox Soccer Plus/FoxSoccer.tv - England vs. Sweden
4 p.m. - DirecTV/Dish Network - Colombia vs. Argentina
4 p.m. - ESPN3.com/ESPN Deportes - Portugal vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
4 p.m. - Fox Deportes - Costa Rica vs. Spain
6:30 p.m. - DirecTV/Dish Network - Chile vs. Paraguay
8 p.m. - GOLTV - Panama vs. Dominica
8 p.m. - DirecTV/Dish Network - Venezuela vs. Bolivia
mark46th
11-15-2011, 15:08
I love soccer but the politics involved drove my son away from the sport. He was a defender and a good one, playing 2 years on the California State Olympic Development Program team with Landon Donovan. As a defender, he averaged 15+ goals a season. He had a ton of scholarship offers to play but he said he was tired of the BS and quit playing...
greenberetTFS
11-15-2011, 18:05
I love soccer but the politics involved drove my son away from the sport. He was a defender and a good one, playing 2 years on the California State Olympic Development Program team with Landon Donovan. As a defender, he averaged 15+ goals a season. He had a ton of scholarship offers to play but he said he was tired of the BS and quit playing...
mark46th,
He had a ton of scholarship offers to play but he said he was tired of the BS and quit playing...
Scholarships aren't normally easy to come by,my granddaughter was offered several for her soccer abilities,she turned them down several years ago and now admits she's sorry she did,but once you make a decision you have to learn to live with it..... ;)
Big Teddy :munchin
mark46th
11-16-2011, 00:21
He graduated from a state university and has been an LEO for 7 years. He makes good money, loves his job. He is a happy man. All I ever wanted for him.....
I love soccer but the politics involved drove my son away from the sport. He was a defender and a good one, playing 2 years on the California State Olympic Development Program team with Landon Donovan. As a defender, he averaged 15+ goals a season. He had a ton of scholarship offers to play but he said he was tired of the BS and quit playing...
My younger brother went just a step farther than your son before he finally had enough of it. Full ride to a school down in San Diego but transferred with scholarship up to Santa Barbara only to play a year and decide it wasn't worth it anymore. Stuck to his education and has done well for himself. Now we just play recreational soccer to keep in shape.
I would probably bet that my brother played with your son in ODP, although I believe Donovan is a year younger than my brother so they might be a year or two off.
USA 1 Italy 0
Never easy to beat the Italians in Italy.
First time USA have beaten Italy in 82 years.
Landon Donovan did not play.
Klinsmann may have the boys believing.
Actually, the way things are looking with our national team and the coach especially, I't ain't easy not to beat us. :mad:
I hadn't seen Italy playing that bad in a while. I'm not trying to belittle US' deserved victory. I'm just expressing my disappointment with the team. Organization, coaching, strategies. Total failure IMO. :mad::mad:
Actually, the way things are looking with our national team and the coach especially, I't ain't easy not to beat us. :mad:
I hadn't seen Italy playing that bad in a while. I'm not trying to belittle US' deserved victory. I'm just expressing my disappointment with the team. Organization, coaching, strategies. Total failure IMO. :mad::mad:
Pirlo nearly picked us apart and Giovinco is a handful - EURO 2012 will be interesting - was in one of the co-host nations recently and was impressed with improvements to infrastructure. The national teams and their fans should have a great time this summer.
Pirlo's always a helluvan asset. AC milan definitely blew it when they sold him to Juventus. Giovinco is reaching his peak, after a few blurry years struggling in top teams, he's finally reached his ideal setting at Parma's. I still think he's physically too small of a player but he's got quality.
That being said, I still don't see a good Italy. For starters, I never liked Prandelli. He's way overestimated.
SL, you are certainly in touch with the pulse of that team.
This was the first and only time I have seen Giovinco and he caused us fits.
That low center of gravity / exceptionally quick footed player has proven dangerous in many forms i.e., obviously Messi, Tevis and others.
Pirlo's game has a level of class that no American player can equal at this moment.
PedOncoDoc
08-14-2013, 15:01
Great come from behind win against Bosnia-Hezegovina today. Jozy was in great form with his hat trick - I've watched the replay of his free kick at least a dozen times already.
Looks like we're developing a deep and successful squad. This can only help increase the talent pool for the beautiful game in America.
Scimitar
08-14-2013, 17:28
Phew, I thought is said "The Clansmen Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team"
:D
I tried to get tickets to the Sep 9th game against mexico. There are only a couple hundred left and the cheapest I could find was about $350. If ticket prices are an indication of how well the team is doing, well.......
Klinsmann has yet to lose to Mexico as a player or coach. Great game last night, Mexico had that who farted look for most of the game.
Definitely makes up from the debacle with Costa Rica.