2011-07-29

USA Soccer Hires Klinsmann

Not surprised by this hire given it has been swirling around soccer circles since 2006. Germany had barely recovered from its semi-final loss to Italy when rumors about Jurgen Klinsmann coaching Team USA began.

It should be a good fit.

Klinsmann was a great striker (close to a .50 goals per game ratio) with stints at Stuggart, Inter Milan, Tottenham and Bayern Munich as well as a brief stay at Sampdoria.

The things I observed with Team USA under Bradley were despite the obvious talent:

1) Lack of tactical awareness.
2) Determination and spirit.
3) But overly aggressive thus exerting too much energy. It's not enough to be "aggressive" on the ball. You have to be selective, coy and smart about it.
4) Couldn't hold on to leads suggesting a combination of a lack of mental toughness, real self-belief and #2.
5) And less importantly, did a lot of complaining about diving on other teams when engaging in it themselves.

In soccer, you have to believe you can stretch out and outlast your opponent.

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