OK... so the worst has happened. Now the question is what to do next. We're looking at coaching changes, systematic changes, and possibly a change of president. Definitely a new corps of players. If we even WANT to go to Qatar in the first place, that is. Have at it.
If only I was a 16-19 year old prospect....the biggest gain is that there will be a full youth movement. This time there is a chance to actually be part of the picture. I believe this current crop of players ended up being worse than the 98 team....meaning they felt entitled to being on the team for life. I hope I never see bradley (and several others) in a us jersey again.
I don't think talent is the problem. What Shaka Hislop and Steve Nicol said in that video in the other thread hits the mark. These guys are mentally weak, but if they're comfortable, they're capable of demolishing teams.
Bring back Chris Armas and Kerry Zevagnin to coach. Field nothing but pint-sized worker bee types. Qualify for Qatar at a cantor. Problem solved.
Attitude is certainly part of the problem. I was reading an article (linked in the USA Men forum PBP) about certain player (Bradley) never really facing competition for his position. That leads to complacency, for sure. We need a coach who understands American players, and can make effective use of the ability presented, not one who is always picking players to fill the roles he "needs" for his system. If you could have a 9/10 skill player with an unusual set of skills, or a 7/10 with exactly what you "need", you're not doing yourself or the team any favors by going with the weaker guy. We need players who LOVE the game, and want to become the best they can be, not players who LIKE the game, and are comfortable in a secure situation that doesn't push them. Cristiano Ronaldo STILL pushes himself to get better. We need to get back to the place where the team was better than the sum of its parts.
It angers me to say this but maybe JK was right. His critiques of US players coming back and not challenging themselves. (they were comfortable with money....not being great and rich). Maybe when he cut Landon it was suppose to send a message....but instead it backfired and the players won the fight by getting him fired. Nah, he was still a major reason we are where we are today.
I never really disagreed with Klinsmann that players returning to MLS could, in some instances, be a step backwards. Bradley is a perfect example. Klinsmann seemed pretty rigid in this assessment, however. A guy not playing in Europe wasn't really benefiting much from the experience. That said, MLS is a lot better than it used to be, but the regular season isn't exactly a pressure cooker kind of situation. Jobs for big names are secure, and the playoff system and downplaying of the importance of the supporters shield means that teams can have extended shitty stretches during the season, still sneak into the playoffs and, even if they crash out, declare (partial) victory.
So as a NE Ohio sports fan, the Browns have messed up their best chances of winning a game, the Indians are out of the playoffs, USA is missing the World Cup, and the Cavs have traded Kyrie and replaced him with Rose, Wade & Thomas who are closer to playing wheelchair basketball than the finals. Am I missing anything? I will be drinking this weekend.
Who are these Brown people you speak of? But anyway, no race this weekend, either. Am I going to have to shell out for watching City on NBC's paywall BS? Aviva Premiership? I'm now realizing how much NBC has taken over my sports watching, and they went and paywalled a shitload of it.
If @hangthadj wrote this word-for-word in the fire Berhalter thread, it'd not be out of place one bit. #acceptmediocrity #onelove
When was the last time that river (or any other river in the US) caught fire? How many other rivers nationwide caught fire in the same decade?
Yes. 48 years from now, when somebody asks me when I'll get over the US not qualifying, my answer will be "I'll let you know when it happens.".
I'll add one more to the 24-hours of misery. I live two-blocks from Wrigley and missed much of the game yesterday due to work. I got off the train at Addison and rushed home because it was a 1-run game. Turn on the tv to hear "and that's gone for a grand slam" and just turned it back off.
Are you including in your 24 hours of misery the Tribe crashing out with 3 straight losses after a 2-0 lead over the YankMees?