Klinsmann eyes comprehensive plan
Recently named U.S. Men's National Team soccer coach, Jurgen Klinsmann sees the strides soccer has made in this country, but understands that the next step is the biggest and most difficult.
Recently named U.S. Men's National Team soccer coach, Jurgen Klinsmann sees the strides soccer has made in this country, but understands that the next step is the biggest and most difficult.
And it will all begin for Klinsmann in Philadelphia.
Officially named last week to replace Bob Bradley, Klinsmann gets to run his first workouts on Monday and Tuesday in Philadelphia to prepare for Wednesday's 9 p.m. friendly at Lincoln Financial Field against Mexico.
Two practices, one game, and Klinsmann is off and running, attempting to get the United States further in the 2014 World Cup after competing in the round of 16 in 2010. He understands that this week is just the beginning of a long and arduous process.
"Two days of training gives us a little idea where we are at, how good they are physically, and you get to know them a little bit and build from there," Klinsmann said Saturday before the Union played to a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo at PPL Park. "It is not ideal, and it is what it is, and I never complain."
Klinsmann has been to the top of the soccer summit, playing for West Germany's 1990 World Cup champion. He also coached Germany to a third-place finish in 2006.
Klinsmann has been living in the United States the last 13 years, understands the soccer culture in this country, and sees this as a true challenge. He acknowledges how much stronger soccer has become in the United States, but . . .
"We we still have a long way to go, but it is exciting to be part of that development, to be part of that path and the next step of it," he said.
Klinsmann said the key is having an open mind: no bias toward certain players, no looking down his nose at Major League Soccer players. In his mind, everybody gets a clean slate.
"The partnership between U.S. Soccer and MLS teams becomes more important," Klinsmann said.
In addition, he said that youngsters of all economic backgrounds should be able to have the chance to play soccer. It would enhance their experience and also improve the talent in United States.
"Here [in the United States], the pyramid is upside down," Klinsmann said. "The better the kid is, the more you pay as a parent, and it shouldn't be that way."
So, in addition to evaluating talent and formulating strategy, Klinsmann will be like a sponge, taking in information from a wide variety of people associated with the sport. That means from professional coaches in MLS and overseas, to those in the development stages.
And he feels the sport will grow as the available talent pool increases.
"Can you find kids instead of having them play hoop, play soccer?" he asks.
He feels the perception of the sport has been greatly enhanced in the United States in the last two decades, and that is important for continued growth.
"The so-called bigger sports have us on their radar screen," he said. ". . . The Women's World Cup was more televised in the U.S. than Germany, which is a soccer-crazy country, so you see where the game is going."
So Klinsmann wants to be involved in all aspects.
Not so much as a hands-on person, but somebody who makes sure that U.S. Soccer is on the same page in developing players, in growing the game.
"Yes there is still a long way to go, yes there are a lot of things to be addressed, but I think a lot of things started already, and it means getting a lot of people at the table and discuss it and see where everybody can help in this process," he said. "I am excited that I can be part of this process."
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