U.S. Soccer and Wilmer Cabrera Mutually Agree to Part Ways

Grant Wahl asks......

 

It's a weird move that there doing it now. I thought they would of done sooner when Klinsman was hired. It really doesn't make any sense to shut down the academy now. I wonder who klinsman will put in there? Who makes that call?

 

In response to Grant's question, I would hope not.

The writing is on the wall with regard to the future development of elite players in this country and it isn't Bradenton but the academy system, particularly those affiliated with MLS.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is the last semester we have kids at Bradenton, though they may choose to hang on for the rest of this cycle.

 

Latham did speculate that he heard thru the grapevine that this would be Bradenton's last cycle. That was like 6 months ago, but we haven't heard anything since.

All I know is the USSF better keep their grubby hands off of Oscar Pareja. (who'd be perfect)

Maybe Vasquez would leave RSL and take over Bradenton............don't be surprised if that happens. He's clearly in Klinsmann's circle.

 

Does Klinsmann not like him or was he doing a bad job? Cabrera and Pareja are often linked as assistants to the Senior Colombian NT all the time. I just wondering because Osorio the former NYRBs coach is being linked to being our NT coach.

 

Oh no, he did not just do it.

 

Very odd. Kind of sound like the same tone as Rongen's release. Is it me when they say mutual, it means the USSF fired him. something happened

 

It would seem there are two obvious issues going forward related to this move.

One, how much longer does the USSF pay for the residency program and, two, who replaces Cabrera?

As for the first question, I don't think the program lasts as we know it much longer. It's hugely expensive and it seems to be offering diminishing returns, especially compared to the academies. I have no idea what kind of arrangement the USSF has with IMG to rent the facility or run the program for the USSF or however it works, but in theory there's a lease or a contract that expires at a set time. Whenever that set time is, I suspect is when the USSF will end the residency program.

(I have no idea when it actually does end; hopefully it isn't like 2015. And hopefully some curious journalist will find out.)

As for the second question, you have to figure the future of the residency program will impact whom they hire. If they're gonna shut it down in a year or so, then some external candidates may not want to relocate to Florida only to have to move again in a year or two.

If they are shuttering the program soon, I can see the USSF promoting one of the current assistants. But, if they don't go that route, I really hope whomever they hire has, at a minimum, MLS playing or coaching experience, and ideally also has some international experience as well.

And then it comes down to who has the most say on this hire, Sunil or Jurgen.

 

Brent Javan weighs in on the (possible) future of Bradenton:

http://usa10kit.com/2012/01/03/cabreras-departure-signals-nail-in-coffin-for-bradenton/

 

This coming from the guy who told us upon Klinsmann's appointment that we:

Would love to hear either JK or Capitan America weigh in on this topic.

 

Does anybody think it's a coincidence that Cabrera has left Bradenton on the same day that Oscar Pareja has reportedly agreed to take the head coach's position with the Rapids?

Would anybody be surprised if Pareja named Cabrera to his staff?

I surely wouldn't..................

The two are reportedly loooooooooooooooong-time friends.

Actually, put it in ink. I bet this is what happened.

 

Is there ever a good time? The start of the new year is as good as any. imho I think Cabrera was ready to move on. Both monetary and professionally he probably has a lot more to do.

 

Last November Cabrera was asked about the progress of identifying and including more Development Academy players into the National Team. Here is his response:

and his response regarding the DA's select teams:

 

Some suppose quotes from Wilmer in twitter. Can someone translate ? Lost in translation

@ESPN_JorgeRamos

 

Damn for listening to the damn Iowa caucuses I didn't tune in to Jorge Ramos y Su Banda...

Ok to highlight off the tweets Wilmer said:
---when asked if he had met Klinsman? He responded that he only met him once due to Klinsmann not having the time or necessity to meet him
---he also said IN MEXICO they are better in using their physical attributes vrs the American players
---his legacy according to him is leaving a bunch players whose careers will continue in MLS and Europe
----The last tweet I don't get it but apparently he leaves in bad terms and something was not going well

 

Wilmer Cabrera. "1 sola vez conoci a Jurgen Klinsmann. El no tiene tiempo ni necesidad de conocerme."

I only met Jurgen Klinsmann once. He doesn't have time or think of it necessary to have met with me.

Wilmer Cabrera "En Mexico saben usar mejor lo fisico que los jugadores en los Estados Unidos".

In mexico, they know how to use 'lo fisico'? better than the USA?

I am thinking this is in the context of weight training? Or using their bodies? Have to hear the interview... don't get this one.

Wilmer Cabrera "lo que deje .. una enorme cantidad de jugadores contratados en la #MLS como en Ligas Europeas"

My legacy.... a enermous amount of players that were found by MLS like in european leagues (basically saying he found a TON of young players from his time as a scout/coach which led to their careers in MLS. Think he is saying without him, alot of kids wouldn't have had careers).


Wilmer Cabrera El porque de su ida. Le cambian los plazos, sus ayudantes ... una clara se#al que algo no caminaba. Pero Klinsmann influyo?

Why he left, change of plans (don't think he liked his influence (klinsi's) ), his assistants...... one things for sure....something didn't rub him the right way. Was it Kinsmann's influence (why he was rubbed the wrong way?)



Also interesting random tweet, According to Jorge Ramos, Blas Perez just signed with FC Dallas! WOW!! I think he'll tear up MLS.

 

Ok thank God for podcasts...here is a revised version guys and summary of what the real radio interview with him said:



Jorge Ramos wasn't there but the rest of the crew asked him some good ass questions

So the 1st one is what happen...

Wilmer: Well we neeeded to renegotiate my contract but the TIME they were offering me to stay was not even close to the same as before and therefore we didn't even get to discuss the $$$. I talk to my family and once again what I have in mind and especially the time frame I need to work with the kids wasn't even close so we decided to part ways


Argentine guy: Did Klisnmann had any influence on the Federation's decision to offer you what they offer you?

Wilmer: To be honest i don't know and don't know his influence with the other teams. So I can't say yes or no. I don't know him and he doesn't know me. I talk to him once but to be truthful he is really busy with the USMNT and honestly he doesn't have a need or necessity to be messing with the U-17 with how busy I can imagine him to be with the USMNT


Argentine guy: So do you think the USSF on what seems didn't even fight to keep you to continue to be in the helm of the u-17, do you think they have someone else in mind?

Wilmer: I dont know but I can tell you that they already had not allowed me to keep two of my assistants and now this, but I don't know


Guatemalan guy: What do you think of Preston Zimmerman's criticism of Klinsmann?

Wilmer: I can't comment and shouldn't comment on that. It doesn't pertain to me to comment on that (goes on to sort of defend Klinsmann and his responsitbility of picking the right players because his neck is on the line)


Guatemalan guy: Do you think if you have coach and when will the next Landon Donovan going to come out or if he is already out there?

Wilmer: (Doesn't answer the question but states how its important not only finding the next Donovan but assuring that not only whoever is coaching the U-17 but the following teams including club coaches give that player the adequate progression and development)


Mexican guy: Here in Jorge Ramos y Su Banda we've talk how the US should stop using their physical qualities and become more technical because in the end the latter is more important in the game, what do you think?

Wilmer: Actually in the US, the American players use the technical side more than their physical abilities in playing soccer. I've played Mexican teams, clubs and NTs and I can tell you that you guys are good at balancing both sides and better using the physical abilities than American kids. I wish American players and kids would use their physical abilities much more. What happens is that American players and kids are restricted too much and there are so many safety rules and restriction in them being physical in the game. In Colombia and the rest of the world this game is truly physical and it was a major frustration when I came here how american kids are scared to get physical because they will be penalized or have grown up to be restricted.


Argentine guy: What is your legacy?

Wilmer: (Goes on to say that his legacy is the numerous players he has coach to go on and now play in MLS, Mexico and Europe)


All in all great interview and Wilmer didn't sound bitter. Extremely professional and I believe we lost a good coach who should had been given at least one more cycle. God knows we kept Rongen and other coaches more than what was warranted.

 

His legacy will be a series of biting critiques of the players he selected.
He leaves with a parting shot that infers his players are soft compared to the Mexicans.

SMH

 

I feel ya on Perez, but the MLS is no cakewalk, ask Costly.

 

By physical qualities does he mean Mexico dives better? That or the translation wasnt great.

 

In mexico, they know how to use 'lo fisico'? better than the USA?

This means they use their bodies better. No reason a 6'2 US player should ever lose a contest of strength to a 5'8 Mexican. EVER !! US needs to learn how to use their bodies and be a little more aggressive and actually hit players. Jozy bulldozed over the spanish defenders at the confederation cup, the US has plenty of players who can do that but like African teams they just don't use there bodies well enough.

 

Being Latin I think he means leaving it all in the field what latinos know as 'poner huevos y dejarlo todo en la cancha' and using the body to dismantle players...that's what he means...and yes dive and tackle for the ball...no need to get sensy, he is right in his comments...

 

exactly...