A different take on the Klinsmann fiasco...
Gulati did well to avoid Klinsmann.
SUNBURY ON THAMES, England (Monday, December 18, 2006) - United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati has hedged his bets well, but should not have made allowances for Jürgen Klinsmann.
Looking to 2010, U.S. Soccer will have an excellent opportunity to showcase how far it has come since 1996. However, while the World Cup in South Africa may seem a long way off, in reality it will be upon us quicker then Reggie Bush in the open field.
Hence, Gulati is fully aware of the pressure and importance of getting the right person for the U.S. head coach role. His decision-making process has proven to be incredibly smart and naïve, all at the same time.
As recently written on the hallowed pages of Soccer 365, the publication warned Gulati of Klinsmann's antics and manner of behavior, but unfortunately unlike the many other big names of U.S. Soccer that read the web site, Gulati has either been too busy recently, or has suffered a slight oversight.
The President admitted he was seduced by the bright lights of the German explaining, "Yes, we extended the deadline and negotiations, someone like Klinsmann doe not come along very often," but he denied that he felt on the back foot, given his lack of soccer caliber -- a limited college career compared to a stellar international record.
However, clearly his actions prove that The Jürger King gave Gulati the run-around. Not only did Gulati extend his deadline, he actively sought him. Persistence should always be applauded but, in this instance, the institution of U.S. soccer, that has become so creditable in recent years, does lose some of it gloss when seen to be chasing a big name.
Similar to when he was England, he created a huge buzz around himself only to let down the Spurs fans when the club asked him for commitment. From the perspective of US soccer, Klinsmann isn't going anywhere. If he wants another shot at the big time, make him wait and work on their terms.
The fact remains Klinsmann is hugely under-qualified for the role. He lacks a solid coaching background and has only known the adrenalin rush and buzz of coaching a nation in his own backyard. He didn't have to manage the qualifying campaign and struggled badly in the friendlies.
No one can deny him leading Germany to the 2006 World Cup semifinals, but the nation will always be competitive, no matter who is in charge. Let's not forget how far South Korea got when backed by the home fans I n2002.
Looking at the situation logically, is Klinsmann really the coach too take the U.S. to Costa Rica and Mexico? Tough out highly competitive and street-fight types of games, and\or deal with players of technical abilities that he would never have come across in his entire career?
It would appear that these types of factors along with a four-year commitment played heavily on his mind. With a Gold Cup ahead on him, and new level of expectation on the national team, there was a lot that could have gone wrong, reducing his stock dramatically and placing a lot of pressure on him.
Now he is in a very comfortable position. If things don't work out, he can step in and be the hero, with little come back, and he also knows his presence hangs large over U.S soccer.
Being responsible for getting a entire program off he ground and giving it flight isn't Klinsmann's style. He was a diving, self-serving player and, low and behold, he now resides in California.
Gulati has recovered well in appointing Bob Bradley. It's a sensible choice and keeps the U.S.'s long-term options open. Bradley's appointment has highlighted the problems created by the growth of Major League Soccer. The pool of European-based American players is growing ever larger. Jay DeMerit, Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann have all stated their preference for a coach with European and international experience because they are wary of the gravitas an American coach can have in leading and instructing them.
As I understand, problems were already surfacing under Bruce Arena's regime and he was the longest serving international coach on the scene and had a quarterfinal under his belt. When the big-time guys come sauntering back from the big leagues, what pull will Bob Bradley have?
In the short term, the side is unlikely to be affected, but needs to start working on strategies and game plans that will beat the powerhouse teams in four years time. If the U.S. just scrapes by, it could end up being badly embarrassed.
The other slight contention is the nature of Bradley's employment. He is a good coach in his own right and doesn't deserve to be treated any differently from a Alex Ferguson or Fernando Lippi.
Yet, in offering the job to a lower-profile coach, the USSF has effectively been able to say Bradley's a stop-gap until someone better is found. Bradley must be respected for stepping into the breach and serving his country, but he is successful in his own right and should have demanded better terms. He deserves more and will hopefully make it very difficult for Gulati to appoint someone else.
Looking ahead, based on what Gulati recently told Soccer 365, Carlos Queiroz is clearly the front runner and the ideal choice. He would have no problem in handling the European-based prima donas and, given his experience in MLS, is likely to be exceptional at developing homegrown talent into international players, with the added fillip that he knows South Africa like the back of his hand given his time there as national coach.
However, with the delay in naming the new King of U.S. soccer, one small but fantastical possibility does remain -- Jose Mourinho for head coach. As this column revealed last season, "The Special One" should be leaving at the end of this season. An increasing number of the media commentators that spend time with are coming to the same conclusion. While Inter Milam appears to be the likely destination, if Gulati could pull this off, American soccer would never be the same again.
Mourinho is a winner and sportsman like no other on the planet. Spending an hour with the Chelsea coach, even though he is sneering, dismissive and mocking of your intelligence, you walk out 10 feet taller and ready to take on the world. Imagine what he could do for the U.S. players in a World Cup semifinal against Brazil when telling them to step forward and grasp their destiny!
Andrew Rogers, a regular contributor to the United Kingdom's League Paper and Non League Paper, lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC.
