I’ve been collecting articles about Jurgen Klinsmann for some time now, anticipating an announcement naming him US National Team Coach. In case you haven’t heard, that opportunity collapsed before Sunil Gulati’s eyes (USSF President). In his place comes the man whose work I enjoyed for six years in Chicago, including one MLS Championship and two US Open Cups. But interim coach? His permanent job will be U23 Olympic Team coach but there are no guarantees regarding his being named National Team Coach.
Jeff Carlisle at ESPN Soccernet offers an excellent overview of what went wrong. Grant Wahl at Sports Illustrated has similar concerns about what it means for US Soccer.
3 Comments
It is funny to me that Gulati, the current USSF President, has to take the entire country in the wrong direction just to have his power. Someone should ask him what is more important. The future of US soccer or his legacy. Also, in holding on to tight I beleive that he will not get to stay in his position for long. It is nice to see that SI and ESPN are covering this. This just addes to the bad plublicity which will help bring down Gulati. I think that we should start a protest to bring him down!
The process where individuals seek to ensure their needs are met, rather then the needs of the organization, is a significant one Buddy. US Soccer is not immune. I for one would argue that we need to focus on ensuring that our local agencies, including Lake Country Soccer, the Park Board, the multiple clubs and youth outlets and the YMCA, work together to provide a safe and fun outlet that brings more kids to the game. That would have a more immediate impact.
I agree with you. The players of the future come from these places. However, the kids need some exciting soccer to watch and players to look up too. The need for player development is very important. In the aspect of player development, many coaches are more concerned with the result than the development of the players. One of the most important needs in American soccer is credibility. Klinsmann gave the youth of Germany a chance this summer and look what happened. I had high hopes by him coming. Probably I gave him more credit than he deserved. I guess I just thought a coach like that could spark some excitement in US soccer. I thought that in turn would get more people to pay attention to the great players that we do have. I hope that excitment would transend to the youth level. We need players for the youth of America to look up too. Not everybody gets to watch FSC every Saturday and Sunday to see the world class players like Henry, Gerrard, Rooney, and Ronaldo. Leadership starts from the top, including USSF. But, the players come from the local leagues. You cannot look at just the local aspect, that is only one part. The balancing act is not being performed very well by the president, they need new management.
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