Top Stories

Bocanegra backs Klinsmann in statement addressing recent criticism of USMNT coach

Carlos Bocanegra

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

The Sporting News story making big waves surrounding the U.S. Men’s National Team and Jurgen Klinsmann’s job as head coach has raised plenty of questions. Which players spoke out questioning Klinsmann’s job? Will the report of issues within the team drive the team apart before the crucial upcoming qualifiers, or bring the team closer together?

The story called into question Klinsmann’s decision not to start captain Carlos Bocanegra against Honduras, and with Bocanegra’s surprising exclusion from the current roster, the veteran defender was becoming a bit of a symbolic figure in the story questioning Klinsmann’s ability to coach the team.

Bocanegra responded on Wednesday evening with a statement issued on his Facebook page discussing Klinsmann’s standing as head coach, and gave the coach his backing. He also called for U.S. fans to back the team ahead of some very important World Cup qualifiers:

During the last 18 months Jurgen has introduced a lot of new ideas to the team and has a vision of how he wants to grow the program. Every coach around the world has his own style and methods. He has always been up front with players about where they stand and where he sees them going.

Not every player is going to be happy with all of the decisions and methods, but he will tell you to your face where you stand. From a coach, that is the best thing you could ask for.

One of the greatest strengths of this team has always been our unity and spirit, and we all remain committed to the cause of qualifying for the World Cup.

——–

What do you think of Bocanegra’s statement? Think the U.S. team will work through the recent controversy? Impressed with how Bocanegra is handling the situation? Confident in the team’s chances of winning on Friday, or are you worried the team is doomed to fall apart?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. This long freaking venomous article full of anonymous (who is the worst crap of article when its full of it) its just to create drama. What bothers me if any of true is the divide its trying to make for the german-bond players versus the US born? C’mon now. Our depth as it is well its limited whatever we can get helps. Why dont you try to bring them along, obviously if they grew up in Germany language barrriers will always be issues. What’s next a criticism against hte players that play in Mexico…as for Boca…thanks dude you are a stud! But hey every NT goes through this esp the one that dominates the are, Mexico, oh man if you only know the drama they go through but guess what if we win this weekend and qualify all of this will be drama…Klinsi is not going anywhere its stupid for USSF to make a change this late of the game…ITS DUE OR DIE and due to the easiness of qualifying and the talent we have we will be in Brazil…

    Reply
  2. Boca is a smart guy. He knows that he, Dolo, Onweyu, and a few others from the 2010 WC squad are getting older and will experience ever increasing periods of recovering from injuries that they used to bounce back quickly from and that inevitably they will get slower. Whether or not that has a significant impact on their ability to contribute to the team, only time will tell. Right now, it sounds like Boca can’t really disagree with the decision not to play him and was gracious enough to say as much.

    It is to Boca’s credit that he does not blame his situation on anyone else, that is something Klinsmann could learn from.

    Reply
  3. This article doesn’t mention his tweets which acknowledge his bad club situation. He understands that there is a chance you won’t be called in if you aren’t getting playing time.

    Reply
  4. Bocanegra’s statement is a combination of simple factual statements about what Klinsmann has done (introduced new ides, etc.) and descriptions of Klinsmann’s managerial style (he’s up front, tells you where you stand, etc.). Totally missing, though, is any endorsement of, or even any reference to, the substance of what Klinsmann has been doing, with respect to personnel or tactics. If the question is, “Are the players disappointed in Klinsmann’s tactical acumen and confused about the overall approach?”, I read Bocanegra’s statement as one of loud silence. He doesn’t address the most important question — can Klinsmann coach? It’s a non-denial denial of the assertion that there is big trouble on this squad.

    Reply

Leave a Comment