Hertha Berlin goalkeeper coach Zsolt Petry had some choice words for his American reserve goalkeeper.
Jonathan Klinsmann has made one start for the German club after starting the season injured. He hasn’t played since making that first appearance against Ostersunds in Europa League action after Hertha were effectively eliminated from the tournament.
Now, the U.S. U-20 number one keeper has his coach calling him out for not proving his worth and not being focused enough.
“When it comes to the basics, he’s definitely got it and athletically he has developed well, too,” Petry told Kicker. “He has the skills, but he is not able to execute them on the pitch on a day-to-day basis.
“The reliable, serious and focused German way of working has not completely reached him. He still is way too American. The development of his personality has stopped.
“If he manages to improve, he could become an option. If not, it is going to be difficult.”
Petry who is the goalkeeper coach, not the head coach, is also the keeper coach for Hungary, home of the sweatpants keeper Gabor Kiraly.
when he is ready, the world will see his bald head and know it. 😛
Remember, this is the punk who shot off his mouth on Twitter when his dad left Donovan off WC team. No shock his coach would have problem with golden spoon mentality. This is exactly what this kid needs to hear.
Lol! You kidding right?! LD didn’t deserve to be on that team! At least JK jr is trying and not crying to come home after 6 months in Germany. LD did just that.
so Brad Davis, Brad Evans, Julian Green and Wondo all deserved to be on the team over Landon?? If you hate LD for selfish reasons that’s one thing, but don’t make that comment with a straight face because even an idiot knows he should have been in Brazil whether he took a few weeks off or not. Your ignorance is outstanding smdh
Hahahahahahahahahhaha I didn’t even know I was too American until they told me!!!
It’s a steep learning curve for most young Americans, many of whom have been coddled (big fish, small pond) and have not had to grow up outside of their own country.
The U.S. has a different mindset from many (most?) other countries in how to shape young people into adults. The self-esteem movement is dominant here and focuses on positive feedback.
My experience growing up in France was very different. You’re not given the benefit of the doubt. You only receive praise if you excel. Most of the time, you receive criticism (not always constructive; often personal). My third grade teacher gave us a lecture on our first day of school telling us we were all mediocre and would have to bust our behinds in order to prove otherwise. You develop thick skin and fight through adversity, or you lose confidence and fail, and eventually become jaded and sabotage your own career.
My point is there is a cultural difference in mindsets which can be viewed as a handicap when expecting a young American to settle into a new country/culture and prove him/herself as a professional while competing against grown ass men. Some adapt easily, while for others it’s a real shock and barrier to developing into the kind of player we all hoped they would become.
Rumor has it the coaching staff has had enough of is temper tantrums every time there is no orange slices after practice.
Credit where credit is do, this one made me laugh. Thanks, Rob.
+1
What does that even mean?
And here we are with 90% of the fans on here celebrating like it’s the greatest thing ever each time any US youngster goes to Europe
I think it probably means he is getting use to being a professional and for JK he has probably had a privileged upbringing because of who his father is and now has to earn things for himself. It’s no secret that most of the players that go to Europe take a little bit of time to adjust, just listen to their interviews when they describe the difference in the intensity around the training and the difference in the way nothing is guaranteed at any level.
He’s still their third choice keeper in the club behind a 33 year old Norwegian and 29-year-old German. He’s made more starts for Hertha II than a 23-year-old German, 20-year-old German, and a 19-year-old German.
???????????Anti-American bias anyone? Look, if he is being lazy, that’s one thing. but don’t just say its because he’s American.
Keep in mind this was very likely translated and wasn’t meant the way you are taking it.
I believe what he is saying is that JK jr. is inconsistent and immature compared to the German player at his age. This is completely reasonable considering the German player at that level has been in a professional environment since a school boy and this American player was far from it (Academy, then College).
i recall this coach disliking the USMNT call ups and being difficult when Jon Brooks was at Hertha. so there might be a little anti-US bias .. or he is just a character.
that said I am not surprised that a 20 year old, wealthy kid from SoCal is getting called out in his first year as a pro.
The story is incorrect Petry is just the goalkeeping coach, not the head coach. Both Petry and Dardai (manager) are Hungarian and yes Dardai constantly complained about Brooks and international play.
You’re right. It’s because he’s Californian.
Coach speak for saying he’s not as stoic and reserved as the typical local German prospect. Makes too many jokes and laughs too much and so forth. Unless that filters into how he prepares and trains what does it have to do with his performance as a soccer player.
So you’re suggesting personal dislikes or grudges shouldn’t keep a deserving player from being selected. Not sure Jonathon’s father would agree.
So the coach is basically saying that he isn’t very mature. Hmm, who could have guessed?