Per Twitter, Grant Wahl is reporting that a US soccer insider has informed him "You are not going to be surprised" by the identity of the new coach. He also reports that Gulati cancelled his trip to Rio for the world cup draw and remains in California. Klinnsman also happens to be in California. Not hard to read between those lines... http://twitter.com/#!/GrantWahl
Re: Speculation on New Coach Unless Low has made his way west to California to assist... I am not at all excited about Klinsman as the head coach of the USMNT.
Re: Speculation on New Coach I just hope the Coach is an American with familiarity of MLS. (Klinnsmann would fit that description).
Re: Speculation on New Coach I'll be happy with whomever it is, IF USSF gives them control to shake up the fed in terms of youth player development, pay to play, recruitment, and technical skills. If there is no signal that USSF/the new coach is aware of these problems and are serious about changing the system, I'll be unhappy, no matter who it is. We can get someone to arrange the chairs better, but if we don't address the larger issues, then the boat will still sink. Hopefully, if it is JK, then that is a signal USSF has given him control, and the system will be changed.
Re: Speculation on New Coach Whoever it is, we're still going to beat Mexico at home in the hex, lose to them at Azteca, finish second in our group at the cup, and lose to Ghana to close it out. Exactly the same as if Bob were still in change.
Re: Speculation on New Coach What's your definition of familiar? Last August Klinsmann made "pay-to-play", "upside down pyramid" and "latin style of play" comments that illustrate he doesn't know sh!t about the DA and what it has accomplished in its first few years of existence. If he bothered to lift his finger to do a little research, he would have found out that last year the average family income of an Academy scholarship player was $32,125, and more DA clubs are offering their own scholarships or eliminating fees for players who can't afford it. He also would have found out that the best youth players today are playing in front on league and national team scouts on a quarterly basis. If he actually attended a quarterly DA showcase, I seriously doubt he would come to the conclusion that we're developing a "latin style of play". If Klinsmann really wants to make a difference he should tell Gulati, "I'll take over the reigns when you separate the governing body from the league and marketing. Let's talk salary after you make that happen." I don't see the micro-manager of micro-managers giving up too much in the way of control anytime soon, so I suspect it's Klinsmann that has backed off some of his requirements.
The all-inclusive list of unconsidered options: Marco van Basten - Former Holland coach and world-class player. Glenn Hoddle - Hasn't coached since 2006 but then again - neither has Klinsmann much. Louis Van Gaal - Available. Mark Hughes - ditto. Rafa Benitez - ditto. Martin O'Neill - ditto, plus he's a great manager. David Moyes - not available, but maybe looking for a new challenge. Obviously has affection for both Howard and Donovan. Roy Keane - a pitbull. Wouldn't take shite from anyone. Eric Cantona - He's already with the Cosmos...but they're not too busy at the moment. Huub Stevens - He's dutch and they're good coaches. Jan Wouters - He's dutch. Claudio Ranieri - He's Italian. And they're good at soccer. Felix Magath - He's half Puerto-Rican, son of US soldier. Could relate to Jones, Chandler, and many players in our future. Rudi Völler - Made 2002 World Cup final. (Better than Klinsmann did, and away from home as well.) Avram Grant - Hey, he did come one John Terry penalty kick away from winning the Champions League.
I sure hope my sarcasm-o-meter is on the blink again... Because I'd rather see Steve Sampson and The Return of the 3-6-1 than Oldthar of The Hill People get within a time zone of coaching the US National Team...
I truly cannot comprehend all the Klinsmann love. I find it shocking. He was a total bust at Bayern Munich and couldn't even last a season. Most pundits/fans/experts of German football have said it is because of Low that Germany has reached these heights, and that he was the brains behind the '06 WC side - not Klinsmann. AND we have seen what a farce TFC continues to be - despite Klinsmann's "consultation". I would only slightly entertain the idea that Klinsmann could be successful as a USMNT manager if had a #2 with the tactical nouse of Joachim Low - but that is it.