Posted on 10/29/2006 11:48:20 AM PST by wolf78
Klinsmann talking with U.S. Soccer
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann is in informal talks with the U.S. Soccer Federation that could lead to him taking over as coach of the United States.
Klinsmann, who coached Germany to a surprising berth in the World Cup semifinals this summer, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview on Thursday that he's been speaking with USSF president Sunil Gulati.
"We've had a couple of conversations. I'm evaluating everything that comes up," Klinsmann said. "I'll stay in touch with Sunil and see what it leads to. It's a very casual and relaxed correspondence."
Klinsmann resigned as Germany coach three days after the tournament, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. He lives in Los Angeles with his American-born wife and is regarded by many as the favorite to replace Bruce Arena, who was told by Gulati in mid-July that his contract would not be renewed.
"Sooner or later, I have to get back into coaching," Klinsmann said.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
I think this rumor has been around for a while . My husband was really excited the first time he heard of it.
I would hope that with this move I can allow myself to dream a little bit for 2010.
By the way, in the English Premier, Man U is still holding the league lead over Chelsea after the former's 4-0 defeat of Bolton yesterday.
soccer ping!!
Colonel--->We might just get serious about WC contending the next time around, huh?
There is an unusual setting to Klinnsman coming to the US team. You must remember...his number feat with the German team...was to train them to play an entire game at top physical form. He doesn't settle for a second-class physical team. Either they are absolutely fit to play or you don't step on the field.
Second...he knows what he can get out of each player. He has relationships that players see as a bond. He can convince a world-class player to be a major sub on the team...to come on the field mid-way through each half...and just play the heck out of the ball. He also knows the players who are just a step away from being a major star.
I think this guy could generate a whole new type of American soccer player. The Americans proved last time that they were mean enough to take on any team and play rough when required. If Klinnsman could get them phsyically up to be the best fit team of the entire group...and just have one world-class player on the team...he could get the US into the final four. He knows this...and is just smiling at the entire situation in front of him. He gets to live in LA, drive around almost as a unknown party in the city, and not have any reporters tailing him like you would in Germany. He will be totally unknown in California...and I think this might bring out the best coaching that the US team has ever seen. This won't be the same old team.
Certainly the German team plays as a team as well or better than any other squad in its league. But I don't know about the caliber of the individual players on the US team, compared to say a Ronaldinho or a Drogba or even a Rooney. It's true, sometimes a good coach can make a team that's greater than the sum of its parts, and maybe Klinnsman can do that here.
There's NO reason why there shouldn't be some great fussballer in the US.
As long as he can teach them to play as a team - am I asking too much?
dfwgator called it on a WC2006 thread here
Yeah, Mexico has been chasing Klinsi as well. He'd be foolish to get into that quagmire down there.
You predicted it...
Soccer is great ... for school girls
One common observation that I hear from my European friends and colleagues (of a number of countries) whenever we watch the U.S. team together is that our physical conditioning is top-notch. Klinsmann would be the icing on the cake.
Ironic.
Sounds like someone was cut from the team at an early age. LOL
He'll create a "team" rather than just feed the egos of the top players. It won't necessarily be the 11 most talented guys going out there, but the 11 guys who make the best overall team, with the right combination of size, speed, and physicality.
This is good news for us.
Klinsi has been involved with US soccer in an unofficial capacity for several years. I think he will be a tremendous asset in getting more of our best athletes, who would otherwise consider baseball, basketball or football, to consider pursuing competitive soccer. If he can do that, then it sets the stage for the US to become a consistent power. I think US players would be more open to his approach, than German players are, who are already set in their ways.
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