A brad-less Germany [R]

[freisland]

I know that Brad has "retired" from International Football, but I'm watching him double-stuff Baros twice today and the insanity of it suddenly strikes me.

Why is he not coming to Germany?

I'm not even saying Keller shouldn't start, but by what logic does Arena decide between Tim Howard and Hartman, Reis, whomever for the 3rd spot when Brad will be in form, is still playing exceptionally well, has WC experience...

I can't believe that Bruce couldn't have (or still couldn't) a chat with Brad suggesting he watch the WC from the comfort of the USMNT bench. All the KK/BF rivalry BS aside, does he think it will mess to much with KK's head? Is it just too much to ask of Mad Brad?

Why not? Is sitting on the bench that important for the potentially '10 keeper?

[Sachsen]

It's my understanding that Friedel's exclusion from the USMNT was Friedel's decision, not Arena's, which renders all your questions -- and this thread -- meaningless.

[wcharriscpa]

I know that Brad has "retired" from International Football, but I'm watching him double-stuff Baros twice today and the insanity of it suddenly strikes me.

Why is he not coming to Germany?

The following is purely speculation on my part:

There's "tension" between Friedel and Keller. Not outright disdain, but significant tension. Friedel probably feels he is evey bit the keeper (better than?) Keller is, but resents having had to play second fiddle to Kasey for all those years. I know there was some reported friction prior to J/K 2002.

Friedel probably felt that Keller would always, when healthy, be the #1 guy. And that pissed him off. Supposedly, Keller was not a happy camper when he sat on the bench behind Friedel in 2002. Who knows? Maybe the way Keller handled it pissed off Brad? Maybe Friedel looked at the writing on the wall (as he saw it) and considered it a losing battle? For whatever reason, Friedel decided he wanted none of it, and decided to retire from the international game.

And it's so incredibly unfortunate for the USMNT. Because I remember how in 2002, regardless of how uncertain we were of what kind of performance we'd get at the other positions, we knew we had a stellar #1 and #2 at the goalkeeping position.

We can't say that this year.

Personally, I consider it one of Bruce Arena's greatest failings that he was unable, for whatever reason, to keep both guys onboard. Given his (seeming) penchant for convincing players to give up ego for the good of the team, I'm frankly surprised at how it all went down between Keller and Friedel.

The US team is a less capable squad because of it, as we approach Germany '06.

[freisland]

I have no idea what any party is thinking, or how much in depth discussion went on between Brad and Arena, but one of the reasons I remember Brad giving for handing in the gloves in 05 was prolonging his club career. Getting on a flight to Germany for two or three weeks after the EPL season would not do a lot one way or the other.

But it seems not to be an issue that anyone is pursuing, it just struck me watching him in nets for Rovers that we've all just sort of quietly accepted the situation. If it had been one of our top field players, I think there would be a lot more debate about it.

[wcharriscpa]

But it seems not to be an issue that anyone is pursuing, it just struck me watching him in nets for Rovers that we've all just sort of quietly accepted the situation. If it had been one of our top field players, I think there would be a lot more debate about it.

Agreed. Friedel was one of our top players at the World Cup in 2002. Considering the flap on these boards when Reyna basically said the same thing (sans retirement), it does cause some head scratching. I suppose the fact that we've got Keller (one of the best in the world) mitigates the conversation somewhat. But I'd be much more comfortable knowing we had both of the guys at our disposal.

I know this -- I pray Keller's healthy and in form come June. Cause after him, we really don't know what we're getting. At least with Brad Friedel, that question had been answered.

[mschofield]

Club football is more important than national team football. WCs are great, he's played in two and he has the experience, the thrill, of being successful. He has a lot of great memories and a bunch of shirts. that's what you get from them.
Blackburn, however, actually pays the bills.
Friedel chose to retire to focus on what matters. the fact that the intn'l retirement announcement wasn't a bitter thing, and that he hasn't been carping about it since, implies it was a pretty easy decision for him, and that returning is not foremost in his mind.
Watched the same game, btw, and as always was impressed by him.

[Sachsen]

Club football is more important than national team football.

Oooo... I can't WAIT to see the reaction to that little gem... ;)

[freisland]

The only point being there is no club-country conflict here. I'm not saying that Brad needs to play on the 22nd or any of the above. EPL ends, he misses two weeks with is family in Greece, sure it's a sacrifice, but a small one.

Anyway, it just struck me as odd and interesting. I'd like to have Brad on the bench just to yell at Baros every once in while - I stuffed you and I didn't even have to use my hands!

[DutchFootballRulez]

Anyway, it just struck me as odd and interesting. I'd like to have Brad on the bench just to yell at Baros every once in while - I stuffed you and I didn't even have to use my hands!

You're Max Bretos aren't you?

I've found you out Max.

[DutchFootballRulez]

Oooo... I can't WAIT to see the reaction to that little gem... ;)

Shouldn't be too much, it's a long, ongoing, very complex debate that wasting server space on BS trying to "solve" it won't do much.

[Justin O]

Friedel's a bit younger than Keller, and will have just turned 39 right before WC 2010, so who knows? I certainly wouldn't bet on it, but if Howard, etc. just don't blossom the way we hope, maybe someone will give Brad a call around January 2010. Unlikely, but not completely out of the question.

[Casper]

Bringing back Friedel could be a team chemistry disaster on the level of cutting John Harkes. I wouldn't mess with what we have going.

[russ]

Freidel would get a call if Keller got hurt in the run-up to WC.

You have to have 1 #1 keeper.

[Bill Archer]

I think it's clear that Friedel didn't want to put his body through the wear and tear of qualifying. So he simply bowed out.

Which is OK, since Keller is a quality keeper in his own right.

But if KK were to yank a hamstring and be unable to play, I would fully expect Arena to put in a call to Bradley, and I would fully expect Bradley to show up.

[sidefootsitter]

... But if KK were to yank a hamstring and be unable to play, I would fully expect Arena to put in a call to Bradley, and I would fully expect Bradley to show up. I don't.

You don't turn your back on Bruce. Bruce turns his back on you.

TimHo it is.

[Sean Donahue]

The way Hahnemann has been playing, I'd expect (or hope) him to be second choice for the WC. Though I hate to see Keller go down, to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't be that worried if the US had to play Hahnemann. That said, I'd love to see all three in Germany.

[freisland]

I have only heard readings games this year and Marcus seems fine, but Brad is just a tested top level keeper. It would be realy a shame to have him on a Canary Island beach if we need him.

[B Rock]

I think if Arena offered Friedel the #1 spot for '06 he'd take it; but lets be honest, there isn't much (if anything) between Keller and Friedel at this point and Keller has earned this WC. He saw us through most of the '02 qualifying only to see Friedel take the actual world stage, and he saw us through all of '06 qualifying.

I think Friedel might be slightly better, but not worth screwing Keller and likely the chemistry of the team over.

However, I do agree that if Keller for some reason had to miss the WC (see injury) Friedel would be between the sticks one way or another.

[jcsd]

I don't see why people don't think Hahnemann's up for the job. He's had a good as season this year as Keller ever had in England.

[AndyMead]

I don't see why people don't think Hahnemann's up for the job. He's had a good as season this year as Keller ever had in England.

I don't see anyone saying he isn't? Where are you reading that?

Saying that Friedel is better isn't a knock on Marcus. Friedel is proven at the international level. He has the experience and the positive record.

Neither Friedel, nor Keller, sit on the bench well. It barely worked out in 2002, no way it was going to work out in 2006 - Friedel "solved" the problem by retiring. If Keller gets hurt before whenever we can bring in a replacement, you can bet that Friedel will be wearing Keller's #18 and manning the nets in Germany. I've never seen Bruce let a grudge get in the way of getting results - and I have seen no evidence that there is any ill will between Bruce and Brad.

I'm sure Marcus would be fine. But he's unproven at the WC level. The U.S. has two (three if you count Meola) keepers who are who are - with impressive track records. Both Keller and Friedel are also currently playing very well.