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.
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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.