Klinsmann Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team

tonyz · 07-29-2011, 12:30

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-Na...of-US-MNT.aspx

jbour13 · 07-29-2011, 14:18

Klinsmann is one of my all-time favorite players.

Hope he coaches the US as well as he has some club teams.

tonyz · 07-29-2011, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbour13

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.

Tress · 07-29-2011, 19:10

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tress

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!

booker · 08-04-2011, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tress

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.

tonyz · 08-10-2011, 09:45

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.

Tress · 08-10-2011, 21:20

Quote:

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.

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.

booker · 08-11-2011, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tress

Shaky? In addition to your medical skills you have also mastered the art of understatement.

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.

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.

tonyz · 08-11-2011, 09:54

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.

tonyz · 09-02-2011, 06:37

Sep. 2, 2011 U.S. Men vs. Costa Rica 8 p.m. PT

The Home Depot Center

Carson, Calif.

ESPN2, ESPN3.com, Galavision

Tress · 09-02-2011, 07:18

Quote:

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

tonyz · 09-02-2011, 07:40

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...s-CRC-BEL.aspx