By IVES GALARCEP
There have been rumblings for some time of issues within Jurgen Klinsmann’s U.S. Men’s National Team, but a Sporting News article released on Wednesday provided some damning detail to the rumors of strife and unhappiness with Klinsmann’s squad.
The article, written by Brian Straus, contains comments from several unnamed U.S. Men’s National Team players, and people in the U.S. Soccer community, who have taken issue with Klinsmann’s approach to handling the team, and whether he is leading the team down a good path, or down a path to failure.
Questions about Klinsmann’s ability to coach the team, and perceived lack of tactical acumen sounded familiar to similar questions raised by Bayern Munich players after Klinsmann’s failed stint as head coach of the German powerhouse. The story also alluded to divisions within the team, and doubts about Klinsmann’s non-traditional methods.
“We do all this stuff. OK, it’s good for us and it’s scientifically proven. But in the end it’s a round ball. The Pelés and the Maradonas in the world weren’t doing all these things,” a U.S. player told the Sporting News. “I think we spend more time worrying about gyms and nutrition, and we don’t do enough of what we need to do on the field.”
That is just a sample of the behind-the-scenes accounts laid out in the Sporting News story.
What to make of the story? It is clear there are some players aren’t sold on Klinsmann, and while there may be a case of sour grapes from players who have seen their roles with the team either diminished or not established under Klinsmann, there is clearly something going on behind the scenes that isn’t in line with the happy facade Klinsmann has tried to put on his tenure with the national team.
Give the Sporting News story a read and let us know what you think. Does the story have you even more concerned about the national team’s chances of qualifying? Think it’s just a case of some sour grapes? Will you wait to see how the team does in the upcoming qualifiers before putting too much stock into these revelations?
Share your thoughts below.