Bob Bradley fired as USMNT Head Coach

phightin · 07-28-2011, 05:13 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/sp...ccer-team.html

This should have happened sooner last year right after the world cup imo. It will be interesting to see who Sunil appoints, but it's long over due that they get a world class, or at least established tactical coach, that can win matches while also hopefully guide player development. The problem is though Gulati along with the rest of the idiocracy running the USSF (who are far worse and more damaging to US Soccer than Bradley was btw) do not want to give up any aspect of control over team selection, player development, etc etc so most likely a "yes man", much like Bradley, probably from the MLS or already on staff will likely be given the job.

The federation certainly has the money and platform to attract an established coach, but with them unwilling to give up any control plus the fact that the current US pool of talent available is one of the weakest over the past 20 years, there might not much benefit to take the job. As I said before I was never a fan of Bradley, but even I will admit that he never had much to work with. Our backline along with our pool of defenders (due to the USSF's ignorant stance on developing defensive players and trying to get that "world class" striker over the last 10 years) is in shambles. Our quality in central midfield lacks from what it used to be, and while we have some talented attacking players they aren't dangerous enough to carry an entire country. I can see maybe Kreis being the first choice, but my wish list would be Ancelotti, Ranieri, Klinsman, or Lippi. Either way whoever does get the job will have their work cut out for them, and I wouldn't be surprised if we struggle to qualify for 2014 or miss it altogether.

MadBum · 07-28-2011, 06:13 PM

I think we'll make it in 2014 just because our region is so weak and 4 teams get in no matter what, with a fifth potentially (I believe that's the truth, right?). I though this move should happen too after some truly pathetic performances recently, and I'm glad we did it. Now, finding that world-class coach, and a good striker, and a good midfield, and some defenders...at least we got good goalies!

phightin · 07-29-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadBum

I think we'll make it in 2014 just because our region is so weak and 4 teams get in no matter what, with a fifth potentially (I believe that's the truth, right?). I though this move should happen too after some truly pathetic performances recently, and I'm glad we did it. Now, finding that world-class coach, and a good striker, and a good midfield, and some defenders...at least we got good goalies!

Granted CONCACAF is "weak", but the US has had some bumps in the road over the past few qualifying campaigns where it wasn't all that easy, and mind you we had a much better team than we do currently. Outside of missing Holden, when you see our best current team right now struggling to beat Panama, Guadalope and other "weaker nations" at the Gold Cup and than struggling in other friendlies it doesn't do much to add confidence. I believe this cycle 3 or 4 teams, with the final spot going for a play in game. So when you figure that the top 6 in the final stages of qualifying will be the US along with what arguably is the best Mexican team of the past 25 years, probably a decent Honduras and Costa Rica, and then possibly a Jamaica or T&T who should be beatable but could still potentially beat the US right now, qualifying will most likely be extremely difficult. Not to say I disagree, I mean we SHOULD qualify, but it would not surprise me in the least if we didn't either.

I've also been reading rumors that Klinsman will be named the new head coach sometime today, so we'll see. I think his accomplishments with the German team are a bit overrated considering his circumstances, but he is a powerful figure that will hopefully inspire the players we have right now, and also can overhaul our youth development system which is where the real problem is. The only American I can see getting the position is Kreis, but I just don't think they would havce fired Bradley to get Kreis, IMO, it would have to be for a bigger name.

phightin · 07-29-2011, 09:18 AM

Also on a side note, while I've been going on and on about the coach etc, in my opinion the real problem lies within our youth development system not our national team coach. We have a federation that has many unqualified people in high positions from the board of directors down to the coaching staffs. When Claudio Reyna, a great player in his own right and worthy to pursue a coaching career, is the USSF Director of Youth Development but DOESN'T HAVE A SHRED OF COACHING EXPERIENCE, that is one example of where our problems are. The saving grace of US Soccer is going to be the the MLS Academy systems that have sprung up over the last few years. They are geared to get the best overall players aged 15-18 so that they can hopefully sign them etc at some point. Once they start taking over development, which they are starting to do, and every individual MLS team has their own agenda on development than we start to see some of the best talent we've ever had emerge. Granted it's still years away but this is a loose version of how every other country operates and develops talent. The key point is FEDERATIONS LIKE THE USSF DO NOT PRODUCE TALENT, CLUBS DO!

Cooleyvol · 07-29-2011, 09:19 AM

Ancelotti would be 'above' coaching this team, IMO.

Cooleyvol · 07-29-2011, 12:46 PM

Juergen Klinsmann hired to coach U.S. men's soccer national team - ESPN

Klinsmann, it is.

phightin · 07-29-2011, 04:14 PM

I agree Ancelotti would have been above the team, especially with the shape it's in now but one can only dream right?

As for Klinsmann I'm hoping for the best but he is going to have his work cut out for him. The US player pool is an absolute mess, and the next few years could potentially be a rebuilding period for US soccer. Most people would agree that unless some brilliant teenagers come along over the next couple years to change things the US will have suceeded to simply qualify for the World Cup.

Like I said I'm hoping for the best, but Klinsmann has a mixed track record where he's been. I know he was a great motivator and source of influence on the German National Team and youth system during his period there, but much of the tactical credit seems to go to Low. Also, his period at Bayern seems like it was a complete disaster. I don't really follow the Bundesliga or Bayern that closely so if there's anyone on here who could shed light on his brief time there that would be appreciated. From what I understand though it was stated he was in over his head tactically and lost the confindence of not only the management but the players as well. He does have to be careful with how he goes about handling Donovan and Dempsey both have over the top egos, and seems like they will shut off and shut out a national team if they wanted.

P.S. I am looking forward though to seeing how he revamps the youth system here. If he has full control, which I'm assuming he does, US youth soccer is about to change forever over the next few years. Right now there are maybe 2-3% of all top level college players going professional before or right after they are 18. I can almost guarantee that number is going to increase up to 30% soon, and college soccer will be a semi-dead sport, much like College Hockey and pro system they use.

rudel.dietrich · 07-29-2011, 07:48 PM

I really like the Generation Adidas program. But if a change could be made it should be that instead of sending through 12-14 kids year it needs to be 30-40 a year. It also needs to find and promote more young kids between 15-18.

rudel.dietrich · 07-30-2011, 01:18 AM

And for something else semi on topic, I think US soccer fans should be very excited by the future of Omar Salgado. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him and will go some way towards smoothing over the wounds caused by Giuseppe Rossi being in the exact same position and choosing Italy.

07-28-2011, 05:13 PM	#1
phightin All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 586	Bob Bradley fired as USMNT Head Coach http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/sp...ccer-team.html This should have happened sooner last year right after the world cup imo. It will be interesting to see who Sunil appoints, but it's long over due that they get a world class, or at least established tactical coach, that can win matches while also hopefully guide player development. The problem is though Gulati along with the rest of the idiocracy running the USSF (who are far worse and more damaging to US Soccer than Bradley was btw) do not want to give up any aspect of control over team selection, player development, etc etc so most likely a "yes man", much like Bradley, probably from the MLS or already on staff will likely be given the job. The federation certainly has the money and platform to attract an established coach, but with them unwilling to give up any control plus the fact that the current US pool of talent available is one of the weakest over the past 20 years, there might not much benefit to take the job. As I said before I was never a fan of Bradley, but even I will admit that he never had much to work with. Our backline along with our pool of defenders (due to the USSF's ignorant stance on developing defensive players and trying to get that "world class" striker over the last 10 years) is in shambles. Our quality in central midfield lacks from what it used to be, and while we have some talented attacking players they aren't dangerous enough to carry an entire country. I can see maybe Kreis being the first choice, but my wish list would be Ancelotti, Ranieri, Klinsman, or Lippi. Either way whoever does get the job will have their work cut out for them, and I wouldn't be surprised if we struggle to qualify for 2014 or miss it altogether.

07-28-2011, 06:13 PM	#2
MadBum Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 266	I think we'll make it in 2014 just because our region is so weak and 4 teams get in no matter what, with a fifth potentially (I believe that's the truth, right?). I though this move should happen too after some truly pathetic performances recently, and I'm glad we did it. Now, finding that world-class coach, and a good striker, and a good midfield, and some defenders...at least we got good goalies! __________________ OOTP Dynasty

07-29-2011, 04:14 PM	#7
phightin All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 586	I agree Ancelotti would have been above the team, especially with the shape it's in now but one can only dream right? As for Klinsmann I'm hoping for the best but he is going to have his work cut out for him. The US player pool is an absolute mess, and the next few years could potentially be a rebuilding period for US soccer. Most people would agree that unless some brilliant teenagers come along over the next couple years to change things the US will have suceeded to simply qualify for the World Cup. Like I said I'm hoping for the best, but Klinsmann has a mixed track record where he's been. I know he was a great motivator and source of influence on the German National Team and youth system during his period there, but much of the tactical credit seems to go to Low. Also, his period at Bayern seems like it was a complete disaster. I don't really follow the Bundesliga or Bayern that closely so if there's anyone on here who could shed light on his brief time there that would be appreciated. From what I understand though it was stated he was in over his head tactically and lost the confindence of not only the management but the players as well. He does have to be careful with how he goes about handling Donovan and Dempsey both have over the top egos, and seems like they will shut off and shut out a national team if they wanted. P.S. I am looking forward though to seeing how he revamps the youth system here. If he has full control, which I'm assuming he does, US youth soccer is about to change forever over the next few years. Right now there are maybe 2-3% of all top level college players going professional before or right after they are 18. I can almost guarantee that number is going to increase up to 30% soon, and college soccer will be a semi-dead sport, much like College Hockey and pro system they use. Last edited by phightin; 07-29-2011 at 04:18 PM.

07-29-2011, 09:18 AM	#4
phightin All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 586	Also on a side note, while I've been going on and on about the coach etc, in my opinion the real problem lies within our youth development system not our national team coach. We have a federation that has many unqualified people in high positions from the board of directors down to the coaching staffs. When Claudio Reyna, a great player in his own right and worthy to pursue a coaching career, is the USSF Director of Youth Development but DOESN'T HAVE A SHRED OF COACHING EXPERIENCE, that is one example of where our problems are. The saving grace of US Soccer is going to be the the MLS Academy systems that have sprung up over the last few years. They are geared to get the best overall players aged 15-18 so that they can hopefully sign them etc at some point. Once they start taking over development, which they are starting to do, and every individual MLS team has their own agenda on development than we start to see some of the best talent we've ever had emerge. Granted it's still years away but this is a loose version of how every other country operates and develops talent. The key point is FEDERATIONS LIKE THE USSF DO NOT PRODUCE TALENT, CLUBS DO!

07-29-2011, 09:19 AM	#5
Cooleyvol Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Union City, TN Posts: 6,383	Ancelotti would be 'above' coaching this team, IMO.

07-29-2011, 12:46 PM	#6
Cooleyvol Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Union City, TN Posts: 6,383	Juergen Klinsmann hired to coach U.S. men's soccer national team - ESPN Klinsmann, it is.

07-29-2011, 07:48 PM	#8
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608	I really like the Generation Adidas program. But if a change could be made it should be that instead of sending through 12-14 kids year it needs to be 30-40 a year. It also needs to find and promote more young kids between 15-18.

07-30-2011, 01:18 AM	#9
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608	And for something else semi on topic, I think US soccer fans should be very excited by the future of Omar Salgado. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him and will go some way towards smoothing over the wounds caused by Giuseppe Rossi being in the exact same position and choosing Italy.