By DAN KARELL
U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati claims that both U.S. Soccer and MLS are all on the same page.
Gulati made his first public comments since MLS commissioner Don Garber blasted U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for comments that Garber claimed disparaged the league, and claimed that while he’d rather the comments have remained private, he understood why the conversation was happening.
“Given some of the comments, I wasn’t surprised it became a hot-button issue,” Gulati told the Washington Post. “But the fundamental views of all of us involved are: ‘We’re on the same page.’ We got diverted from that, so it will go on for a little bit. I don’t view this as there being an undercurrent going forward. There won’t be any lingering issues.
“We will get back to the job at hand, which is continuing to grow MLS, continuing to improve the national team, and the broader goal, which does both of those things.”
Perhaps going for a more neutral approach, Gulati stated that both U.S. Soccer and MLS are operating with the same vision, to grow the game of soccer in the USA.
“None of this is personal,” Gulati said. “Some things could have been phrased differently because the actual opinions of the two guys – and me and the leadership at MLS and U.S. Soccer – is actually closely aligned with where we see the game going. There are very few situations where the national team program or a federation is as aligned as closely with their first division as we have got in the United States.”
The war of words between Garber and Klinsmann began on Oct. 13 when Klinsmann challenged both Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, two of the USMNT’s best players, to prove to Klinsmann that they hadn’t lost a step by returning from European clubs to the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC, respectively.
“Concerned? There’s nothing I can do about it,” Klinsmann said at a press conference. “I made it clear with Clint’s move back and (Bradley’s) move back that it’s going to be very difficult for them to keep that same level that they experienced at the places where they were. It’s just reality. It’s just being honest.”
Two days later, an audibly upset Garber hastily called a conference call to hit back at Klinsmann, calling his comments “wrong” and “very detrimental to the league.”
“I will do anything and everything to defend our league, our players, and our owners,” Garber said on the conference call. “I don’t believe anyone is above the sport, and I believe everybody needs to be accountable for their behavior, whether its as a commissioner or an owner or an athlete or a national team coach.”
Gulati, responding to this controversy, believed that Klinsmann’s comments were not new to the discussion, pointing out that the USMNT head coach had been pushing Dempsey and Bradley to move to bigger and better clubs even while they were still in Europe.
“It’s not any different than the advice or the comments he made when Clint was at Fulham – to push himself to get on a Champions League team. In reality, the [recent] comments were not directed at MLS. They were directed at individual situations. He has made that comment many times.”
Gulati also shot down any notion that Klinsmann’s job might be in jeopardy because of the recent issues:
“Jurgen is our coach and technical director, and I fully expect that to be the case through the [2018] World Cup,” Gulati told the Washington Post. “We made that decision before the [2014] World Cup and have full confidence in him in those roles.”
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What do you think of these comments? Do you think there are still lingering issues between Garber and Klinsmann? Should MLS and U.S. Soccer make a joint-statement?
Share your thoughts below.
When it comes to soccer, Sunil is a baboon, and Klinsi, well Klinsi just picks his back.
Garber is freaking crazy, the US soccer federation should be and hope is separate from the MLS. Nothing wrong with what Klinsmen stated, he is only looking out for our national team to improve, and yes players are better of playing in top European leagues than the MLS, that’s a fact.
Ooooh, we put the smackdown on Jurgie! Whoo yeah, he won’t be saying squat from now on! The Krafts told Gulati they’d take him of their payroll if he didn’t put the kibosh on that mofo. So he did.
Chalk one up for the good ole boy network!
I also want to see as many US players play in Europe as possible. However, why is Klinsmann not coaching somewhere in the UEFA? Why did he prefer to coach in CONCACAF, one of the weakest regions? Why doesn’t he want to coach at a higher level?
David M says: I also want to see as many US players play in Europe as possible.
Interesting and noted.
… um because Klinsmann lives in the US with family here and last time I checked international level football is a pretty high level.
I want to see the US Nat team players in MLS. Note that Old School, pls.
I think it is a real competition and we will see who shines in it.
…and I see what you are doing David M…but come on. I realize that the US is ranked 23rd, but that is a joke, the US is on the edge of top 10 team…where do you want him to go, he already did Germany…try to coach Spain ?
US Soccer has a mission to grow the game in the US at all levels and for both genders.
MLS is a for-profit business
There are going to be times when their interests align and times when their interests diverge.
Garber and Klinsmann both accurately advanced their interest and arguments in these last couple days.
Klinsmann’s decision to do this in public was unhelpful, but Garber’s belief that US Soccer should be fully aligned with his business interests is absurd.
Implying that the fed should fire someone because of their refusal to help his business is equally wrong-headed
Sunil is smart to say as little as possible and just move along
You must be new to the US soccer scene, if “MLS was only a for-profit business”, owners would have got out a long time agao. And US Soccer and MLS are aligned, because MLS becomeing a better leagues, helps the National team.
Yah, Phillip. And a clear recent example is how The German Federation forced Bundesliga “for profit” club teams to devote more resources to youth development. That was the beginning of the process that led to the Germans winning in Brazil. And, this was before Jürgen was hired as coach of the German National Team. The link between MLS success and USMNT success should be plain to see for those who pay attention.
Feeling very turned off by US Soccer and Klinsmann. I won’t buy any merchandise from US Soccer for the next few years. Going to be hard but it’s time to give my attention to other things than US Soccer.
It’s not me, it’s you…
Nothing wrong with that.
Most casual fans circle back every 4 years when the World Cup arrives and then simply check out entirely until the next.
Well, I haven’t been a “casual” fan. I’ve been a fan, member of soccer supporters groups, written for soccer publications, and worked for a big company in the world of soccer in the US.
Ah, it’s you.
I remember you posting a few days ago under a different username. Yea, your original post I gave you the benefit of the doubt as a casual fan but by your own admission you’re not. Instead, you’re just a fair-weather fan.
I attempted to discuss this with you previously but you conveniently disappeared, so I’ll abstain from any attempts this time around.
Please remember: don’t let the door hit you on the way out and best of luck supporting your next team/nation.
And I’m not coming back for the next WC. I’ll be back when US Soccer apologizes for JK and he is gone.
You know, I really get fed up with people like you. I have been involved with soccer for 4 decades, and honestly, I don’t see how or what JK has said that would cause you to become so fed up. He has given more playing time to MLS players that either Bradley or Arena. Best winning record all time for US coach and has us playing competitively in Europe and winning. Did I agree with him leaving of LD for the World Cup? NO! However, some of his other moves (e.g. Yedlin) which people panned him for, worked. He has a knack for discovering players that people never considered. He plays players in experimental positions that sometimes really work and sees talent USMNT talent where everyone else overlooked it (Beckerman, Besler).
I see nothing wrong with what he said because he was asked and it is true. MLS is not on par with TOP 5 Europe and if players have the talent to be playing against that level competition they should be. Guess what Bradley and Arena have said essentially the same thing I’m not a fan of Twellman, but even he said, Bradley said the same thing abut players playing in Europe.
You don’t have to like the guy, but admit it’s personal . I do and have done my part for the US Soccer community. I played for years on some good teams growing up. I reffed and coached soccer including you select teams all while being a full time professional. I even coach my niece (the next generation of players). I would never let my personal feelings negate my support. I think Arena and Wynalda are incredibly annoying, bombastic, egotistical maniacs who give their opinions even when it is not asked, but I don’t let that stop me from support the red white and blue especially since I remember when US did not qualify for World Cups and when you couldn’t even catch the ’90 World Cup. the ’94 Cup was a game-changer for the US soccer community. At least, Klinsman is asked when he gives his opinions Wynalda just gives it up like we should care.
” I’ll be back when US Soccer apologizes for JK and he is gone.” They have nothing to apologize for. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Please NEVER come back!
Please, excuse the typos, it’s late/bedtime, so my typing isn’t clean. Ives, we really need an edit function. That being said, great work on the site. It is one of my 2 go-to English language sites.
Thank you. I’ve seen the light. My gripes are invalid. Your 4 decades and anger with me trump my 2 decades and awareness of the damage caused to US Soccer. Thank you. You are great. I am unworthy.
You sound like my nephew who walks around and likes to tell “everyone I’m mad” except you are not 8 years old. Again, don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
PS- Please tell me what “damage” JK has done. Don’t say split the fans because that is a result of an action or actions if it valid. What actions has he done to cause damage?
And, sorry, but I MAY be back. After US Soccer fixes things I may be.
This is just the kind of in-fighting between fans JK has caused on widespread levels. You’ll see it all over. When a fan has legitimate cause to turn his back, his fanship is called into question? You accuse me of a “personal” vendetta when that accusation is better placed somewhere else – where having such a damaging vendetta should jeopardize one’s job.
“This is just the kind of in-fighting between fans JK has caused on widespread levels.”
I just want to know what he has done, specifically, to cause the split in fandom. I personally think it stems from the (1) LD decision,(3) supposedly brought into many Germaericans (though no one mentioned the Norwegian and Finnish guy) and (3) the idea he was a “savior” of some sort
Just thought I would jump in because you two are taking this personally, and I just wanted a factual answer before you two start throwing pots and pans :).
ITS EASY THAT EUROPE TEAM ROMA AND THE SPURS ARE BETTER TEAMS AND BETTER PLAYERS EVEN JURGUNN KNOWS
The outcome will be that starting next year MLS will respect the FIFA international dates and not schedule any games during these periods so that Klinsmann can truly call up the strongest squad possible. No more calling in a college player to the senior national men’s team even if the game is just a friendly. And the U-23 and U-20 coaches can do the same as well when it concerns MLS players.
More and more, I’m starting to feel like this was set up. This just has sitcom written all over it.
And that picture of Gulati just furthers my suspicions…lol.
I think if we can all get on board with the idea that a strong domestic league, is the truest indicator of world cup success, then we will be able to get on with it.
clearly, argentina and brasil both have more players in Europe today than they did ten,or twenty, or thirty years ago, and what do they have to show for it. one appearance in the last three word cup finals. in the six prior to that, they combined for five appearance. what gives???
Does England disprove your theory?
BG, for as much shtick as England get, they have faired pretty well at world cups. its just spain has a better domestic league than England. look at champions league titles, but even more, look at Europa league to see which league is stronger, and deeper. England has branded herself the best league in the world. results suggest otherwise.
I think this would be a valid question if the best players in the Premier League were English. Perhaps if you step down to the Championship this would follow.
Gulati’s role is just like the Fed Chairman. Where, in 1977, Congress established the dual mandate that the Central Bank must pursue both maximum employment AND price stability. Both requirements are seemingly, but not completely, at odds with one another.
Meanwhile, the primary objective of the European Central Bank is only to maintain price stability. This is partially due to German fears of the return of hyper-inflation like it saw in the 1920’s during the Weimar Republic.
So Klinsmann, a German, only cares about inflation, that is, making the semi-finals in Russia.
Likewise, Garber only cares about full-employment, that is strengthening MLS.
Gulati’s job is to fulfill both roles. In the short term they are at odds with one another. In the long term, they help one another. As a professor of economics at Columbia, I’m sure Gulati is already aware of the similarities between USSF president and Fed chairman.
What I don’t understand is how Gulati has had the job for so long. Does anybody out there have a point of view on that?
Look at all the sponsors on the backdrop behind Gulati in that picture. There’s your sign.
He got himself on Fifa’s top board level and seems to be moderately honest. I like him as he stays involved in US soccer instead and does it as something he loves. He real job is an economics professor. I dont like full time politicians. (Although I see the need in many situations)
Disappointing statement from Gulati. The fans deserve more than some vague nonsense about how everything is ok. How about addressing some of the problems that led to Klinsmann’s and Garber’s statements? Why or why not can MLS conform to the FIFA international dates? What are the pros and cons of our elite US players playing abroad vs. helping grow MLS? Why is there such a lack of transparency involving so many of MLS’ business moves and player allocations? I believe it’s healthy to have some of these things debated publicly, and US Soccer seems to think the fans either don’t care, won’t notice, or aren’t prepared to deal with honest evaluations. It comes off a bit condescending.
“Why is there such a lack of transparency involving so many of MLS’ business moves and player allocations?”
Somebody should ask Garber that question every day until he comes up with a defensible answer. The single-entity, especially as supplemented with unevenly exercised league control over player moves, serves the interests of the owners, but it undermines the inteegrity of the league. And it actually impairs the overall growth and development of the league by dampening competition.
Are you of the opinion that other American professional leagues are more transparent than Garber and MLS?
Yes they are.
Other leagues have teams that compete for the best players.
MLS is built to avoid competition for players in order to control costs.
Anti-Labor collusion
What does this have to do with “other American professional leagues”?
That’s a poor attempt at distraction from the issue. MLS has a massive transparency issue and risks accountability and integrity with its fans.
“I believe it’s healthy to have some of these things debated publicly, and US Soccer seems to think the fans either don’t care, won’t notice, or aren’t prepared to deal with honest evaluations. It comes off a bit condescending.”
That ship has sailed. What Garber was irked about is that MLS and the USSF already had a shared plan on how to improve soccer in the US that they have been implementing for years. You don’t have a public debate about something when you’re in the middle of implementing it. As technical director of US Soccer, Klinsmann shouldn’t be saying things in public that are counterproductive to that plan. When he took the job as technical director he should have bought into that plan or there should have been a discussion and agreement about things he wanted to change. If those things didn’t happen then Gulati didn’t do his job. Have your debate about lack of transparency if you want, but that had nothing to do with what Garber was talking about.
we should be happy jurgen is coaching usa. he cant do everything to fix the american soccer pyramid and for now all he can do is pressure garber and gulati to stop wasting time and make usa the monster they can be in soccer.
for example, there has been 2 coaches with experience that have gone to costa rica and salvador, i believe but both said their leagues need to get better and need money in order to improve nationally.
so there’s nothing bad with klins saying the truth, imagine if mourinho would coach usa or pep guardiola, what would they say about mls and american soccer pyramid.
The people putting Klinsmann on a pedestal are too ridiculous to be funny.
Maybe you should read my book about Jurgen, soccer boy.
+100, Herr Lahm!
What’s daddy Gulati to do? Declare publicly that he loves one of his sons more than the other? He’s too smart to do that. That said, I’m sure both JK and DG got a private slap on the wrist, and we move on. Like it or not, US Soccer and MLS are in the same boat (just look at the recent deal with IMG). As business partners they need each other. Can’t we all just get along?
Daddy Gulati?
Sorry, he’s got nothing on Garber. He’s Garber’s old whipping boy. And truth be told even though he’s supposedly JK’s boss we know in the end that he is tied to him until after the next World Cup.
No doubt there are still lingering issues between Garber and Klinsmann. They are probably pretty one-sided though because Klinsmann is too self-absorbed to care and is used to not getting along with people. If Gulati feels he has to keep Klinsmann as the National team coach, fine, but he should not the technical director for US Soccer.
You’re a bit mad. Klinsi did nothing disrespectful. He stated a fact: He wants his players playing in the top European leagues. The top European leagues have the best players and managers. It’s in that competitive environment some of our best players have been forged: McBride, Dempsey, Dolo, Howard, Stewart, Reyna, etc.
For every Donovan and Pope you get a Twellman and Wondo. MLS just isn’t a soccer producing factory for top level players. It’s a stepping stone. Name one solid attacking player who has emerged from MLS into the national team: Zusi? Hardly. Davis? Nope. Rogers? Nope.
Klinsi cares about one thing: the sport. He doesn’t care about money, fame, settling. He wants his guys filled with passion to be the best and play the best week in and out.
Garber is just being a mom and caring too much about what the other kids say about her children.
Name one solid attacking player who has emerged from MLS into the national team? How about Landon Donovan & Yedlin. Yedlin played great at the WC, while stillplaying in MLS. Also I think Rowe & Nguyen are prove very solid attacking players, that should be on the national team. Also the teams that have won the WC the best couple of years, have players that mainly play in their domestic league. Nor was the comment about Dempsey and Bradley his first stupid comment about MLS.Earlier this month Klinsmann, who’s also talk about the length of the club season, seemed to suggest that he wasn’t so sure MLS was a superior league to NASL in the first place. Which was part of the tipping point for MLS and its public response.
Good point regarding Klinsmann’s comments about NASL and not knowing which league in the USA is the top league. Completely unacceptable from the technical director of US Soccer. Like Garber said, no one is above the sport but Klinsmann thinks he is. All of you Klinsy fanboys need to understand that while his comments can be excused from the USMNT coach they cannot be excused from the guy who is the technical director of US Soccer, and that was the point of Garber’s press conference rant.
He is technical director of USSF not MLS. Sometimes the interests of both entities are at odds. It is in MLS’s interest for ALL USMNT players to be playing in the MLS for cross-marketing purposes. It is in the USMNT’s interest for them to be playing with and against the best players in the best league (which for now is not MLS). All the other stuff is nonsensical fluff.
Josh D,
Wood Chip is the SBI village idiot. The Club President of JK-Conspiracy.
Literally every single post he makes is reminiscent of a crazy person yelling at the top of their lungs in a padded room absent of any interest in discussion or debate.
Name one solid attacking player who has emerged from MLS into the national team? How about Landon Donovan & Yedlin. Yedlin played great at the WC, while stillplaying in MLS. Also I think Rowe & Nguyen are very solid attacking players, that should be on the national team. Also the teams that have won the WC the last couple of years, all have been teams who players play mainly in their domestic league. MLS getting better talent, also means having the best American players playing in MLS. Nor was the comment about Dempsey and Bradley his first stupid comment about MLS.Earlier this month Klinsmann, who’s also talk about the length of the club season, seemed to suggest that he wasn’t so sure MLS was a superior league to NASL in the first place. Which was part of the tipping point for MLS and its public response.
“Name one solid attacking player who has emerged from MLS into the national team”
Jozy Altidore
Michael Bradley
Clint Dempsey
DaMarcus Beasley
Stuart Holden
Brian McBride
That’s six that all started their careers in MLS. If those six aren’t enough we can get into the Eddie Johnsons, Brian Chings, Clint Mathises of the world.
Anything else you’d like to learn today?
I was with you until you said find one attacking player who emerged from the MLS to the national team. MLS does a decent (not great) job of finding US players mainly because it is main professional outlet in the USA. You probably should have said something like how many truly elite haven’t improved by playing in the better Euro leagues. Those that haven’t have usually been exposed as not truly internationally elite for the USMNT.
We know who’s side Gulati will be on. The guy who neglected the NER franchise, but loved bringing in USA to play in Foxboro.
Nasty public divorces are always hardest on the children. Poor Sunil.
How long an we draw this saga out for?! It’s food for the news cycles I guess.
As long as we read and comment on it….it will be written about.