I wanted to point out a couple of paragrapha I just read on ESPN that contains some telling quotes from Berhalter: "What stands out to me is just the sloppiness with the ball; too many mis-controlled touches, too many missed passes, too many easy things that we normally make that we weren't making tonight," said Berhalter. "What they did with their midfield is they played a diamond. They were very compact in the central spaces. Our idea was to move the ball from one side and find the free fullback on the other side of the field, penetrate, and then we can start opening up that diamond. When we did that, it was good. We were able to gain ground, and move them around the field. When we didn't do that due to a lack of cleanliness on the ball, or playing down the same side and letting that diamond shift over, we got trapped. That hurt us from developing nice buildups." "I wouldn't make a statement about the program based on this game," he said. "The reason why is that these games are difficult. It was never going to be easy and come here and win the game. There was no way. When you look at their team, when at their quality, when you look at where they are right now, it wasn't going to be an easy game. We have to accept that. I think all of us have to accept that. We wanted to win the game, and hopefully we're going to keep improving and hopefully we're going to start winning games on the road, but tonight wasn't the night to do it." Paragraph One --> Blame the players and essentially demonstrate that you do not have a plan B. Paragraph Two --> Deflecting blame... Don't read too much into this. Canada is a fantastic team... yada yada... But most importantly.... Look at the last couple sentences and tell me this guy has the right frame of mind to lead a USMNT... He keeps using the word "hopefully"... He has been using that word a lot to describe "the process". How can you feel confident at all about a HC that relies on this word so much?
This is Jurgen Klinsmann disease and why he should have been fired after blaming the players for the Belgium fiasco in 2014. Responding to some posts above, we don't need a high level manager. We need a competent one. 2 nights ago I was 80% sure that Jurgen Klinsmann was the worst manager in program history in our world cup era (1990 and on), with some consideration for Steve Sampson. I sit here now, and am no longer sure of that, it might be Gregg Berhalter. We went from Bob Bradley - who in retrospect is a very good manager - to Jurgen Klinsmann (historically bad) to Bruce Arena (past his sell by date) and now Gregg Berhalter (competing with Klinsmann). I'm not a soccer coach but even I know that with our talent pool. we need to be a direct, counter attacking side. One that where our defenders are asked to defend, rather than make pin point passes under pressure or booting it up field if they don't see anyone open, and put backlines under pressure with our pace and movement from Pulisic, Morris,, Jozy and Sargaent. We're sitting here trying to play Pep Ball, with below average prem talent. Or another analogy, we're Wisconsin playing air raid. All we need is a manager who simply recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of our pool. and picks a system that allows them to use their strengths. That's not actually hard.
We have some talent, but this train is going nowhere with this conductor. Time to switch conductors. Immediately.
Agreed... but I will ask the question again.... What needs to happen to get GB canned? I really wish there was some way I could help in the matter.... e.g. start a petition... be part of a public demonstration... etc. Would losing to Canada next time out in Orlando actually be the final straw? If GB isn't gone before qualification begins then waiting until the probable auto-bid in 2026 might be our next WC entry. Such a terrible state of affairs.
Honestly, the only way I see is to go after the sponsors. It’s pretty obvious small crowds and fan discontent isn’t working. Perhaps organizing something to send to Volkswagen, Nike, Continental, etc. may get them to ask questions. Given USSF doesn’t appear to care about fans, maybe sponsors threatening to pull money will get their attention. Here is the corporate partner list: https://www.ussoccer.com/sponsors-and-partners
Not like this is the first time he saw that. 1 - He did nothing to address it or fix it over a number of games 2 - He kept trotting out players that couldn't trap a ball or handle one under pressure while expecting them to pass like Modric GGG is the problem, not our players. He puts the players out there in positions that make them look like shit. He plays Adams as RB. That's all you need to know.
We may also need either another thread called "Official Fire Gregg Berhalter’s Brother Thread" or perhaps more simply, a single thread called "Official Fire Berhalter’s Brother Thread"
Grant Wahl can suck a fat one. Where have you been bro??? Grew some balls over the last 4 years of never asking 1 tough question since you got your sideline TV gig? GTFO of here man, you missed your moment.
In less than a year, we're playing WCQ's. If Jay's Brother isn't gone soon, we're not qualifying for Qatar. Apparently, we have camp coming up in Qatar. The players should try to enjoy the scenery, because that will be the ONLY time this team goes to Qatar.
I didn’t watch a televised game for like the first time in 25 years, I think. From the posts on this board, I couldn’t be happier that I missed it. Oh, and also, Fire GGG.
Ya, everyone knows that's your idea. Always. That's why we get attacked in the area vacated by said fullback. One of the big problems with Jay's Brother's scheme, is that to *constantly* be trying to unbalance the opponent, you are constantly unbalancing your defensive shape. There is no answer to "what happens when we lose the ball?" When we lose the ball the field is wide open, it's like a fairway. Open space until you get to Crossing Guard Mike Bradley.
Agree - but why were the players still doing the same thing that wasn't working well into the 2nd half? Why, with 10 minutes left and down a goal, were we passing the back back and forth in front of our own goal while Canada was peacefully resetting its defense? Bad coaching, that's why.
Sadly, I think this is about the only thing that could force change. Sponsors aren't paying for the C-CAF version of Scotland.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s ridiculous seeing articles from people like Ian Darke saying that maybe Berhalter needs to just abandon the system and start from scratch, as if he has the tactically flexibility and knowledge to do that. Sack the manager, half the federation, and get some people in who actually have football knowledge. I feel for USA fans, at least with Switzerland there is some semblance of tactical knowledge from our coaching staff....even if we seem to consistently give up late goals.
You sign mine yet? It's incredibly frustrating to watch this team from the sidelines, knowing that you're powerless. I have never been so furious with a team/organization in my life, it isn't even especially close, and I say that as someone that is extremely passionate about multiple sports teams.
Do you think the team would/could make themselves heard publicly/privately, and force a change? I need something to give me hope.
I did my job. I didn't watch either the Cuba (we are awesome!) or Canada (we suck!) games. I'm so glad that we got an America! coach.