The Klinsmann Reaction (August 2011)

If you haven’t already read the Gab 4’s discussion on the hiring of Jürgen Klinsmann as the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team, you should go ahead and do that. As a US Soccer fan, I was very excited when US Soccer Federation head Sunil Gulati announced that Bob Bradley’s replacement would be the German soccer legend. A few years back, Bradley was put into a tough spot when it was announced that Klinsmann was close to becoming coach before he turned down the offer, making Bradley a dead man walking. However, Coach Bradley performed admirably, though failed to make the US into an international power so many hoped to see. Losing a 2-0 lead to rival Mexico in the Gold Cup Final seemed to be the last straw and led to the much-anticipated hire of the Klinsmann-ator.

Personally, I think this is a great hire for several reasons. I thought one of Bradley’s biggest weaknesses was sticking with players who seemed to underperform. Furthermore, second half collapses due to a failure to adjust became commonplace under the Bradley regime. Coach Klinsmann will not only bring a fresh perspective to a program that has seemingly hit a wall, but will ignite a fan base who has longed for a European influence on the American team.

I do not expect Jürgen Klinsmann to bring a World Cup title to America (at least not in 2014); while that would be awesome, I know that it is a tall order when one looks at the talent in Europe and South America. However, if Klinsmann is able to successfully change the mindset of this country’s attitude toward soccer by having teams that attack, defend and play consistently, he will have done his job well. Furthermore, if he fortifies the youth soccer system, US Soccer will be well off for a long time. Ideally, if Jürgen Klinsmann is successful in these areas and the worldview of US Soccer improves, then players will benefit and the success will be sustainable. For me, the biggest benefit of this hire is that more European clubs will give American players a chance to play in the top leagues, and players will be ready for top competition by playing against it every week.

As you may tell by the tone of this article, I am slightly stoked about this hire. It is a pleasure watching Spain, Netherlands, Brazil and the like play beautiful soccer, and I hope to see it for a long time going forward here in America. (Not to set the bar too high or anything). Get your popcorn ready; this should be a great ride!