In recent months, Jurgen Klinsmann has experienced his share of struggles as U.S. Men’s National Team head coach. Now, it appears that those struggles have reportedly extended to his overarching role with U.S. Soccer.
Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday that Klinsmann is in a “power struggle” regarding his role as U.S. Soccer’s technical director. The report states that U.S. Soccer’s chief commercial director Jay Berhalter, brother of Columbus Crew head coach Gregg, has taken a more hands-on approach over the past year regarding day-to-day operations.
Berhalter, who reportedly called a meeting in August without Klinsmann in attendance, is reportedly not on great terms with Klinsmann. SI states that it was told that the relationship between the two is “not good.”
However, U.S. Soccer denied any rift between the two parties.
“Any perception that there’s a power struggle is simply false,” a U.S. Soccer spokesman told SI. “Everyone is working collectively to improve the technical side on a daily basis.”
A U.S. Soccer spokesman also refuted a claim in the SI report that head athletic trainer Sue Falsone was fired by Klinsmann. According to U.S. Soccer, the two sides mutually agreed to part ways at the end of Falsone’s contract after a year of working together.
What do you think of the reports? What should U.S. Soccer do to best handle technical development?
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