12/03/24
July 15, 2006
Arena out, Klinsmann likely in.: Others that US Soccer are pursuing include Houllier and Hiddink.
posted by Ufez Jones to soccer at 11:54 PM - 22 comments
I thought Hiddink was committed to Russia already?
posted by chicobangs at 08:52 AM on July 16, 2006
come on freddie????please tell me your not talking about adu. he is terrible. if u seriously think he is the future of U.S. Soccer ur in for a rude awakening
posted by soccerplaya16 at 09:46 AM on July 16, 2006
please tell me your not talking about adu. he is terrible. I wouldn't call him terrible, but I agree, he's not the future of US soccer.
posted by rgchappell at 10:45 AM on July 16, 2006
I don't think Freddie is terrible either, but I really think Eddie Johnson should get major playing time under the new coach.
posted by 940 at 11:33 AM on July 16, 2006
Adu is a young player who makes young player mistakes. He has the potential to be very good. He is not, however, the next Pele-as the hoopla billed him.
posted by FonGu at 11:44 AM on July 16, 2006
I think Klinsmann is more interested in the job than he lets on. Does anyone remember the pre-cup criticism he received when he spent 3 days at the U.S. training facility instead of heading for Germany to prep his team? Why would he spend time there? No one concidered the U.S. a threat to Germany in the cup, so he was not on a scouting mission.
posted by FonGu at 11:47 AM on July 16, 2006
Yes chico, Russia has signed Hiddink, which is why the story mentions USSF buying out his contract. One small problem is that Russia begin Euro 2008 qualification on September 9 and they'll want the U.S. to move quickly, if they make a move at all. Even though the story says Klinsmann isn't interested, I have a feeling that's not the case. Regarding our young guys, we definitely need a coach to get the most out of EJ because I don't think we've seen him anywhere near his full potential. And we still need to give Freddy some time; he's 17 for chrissakes. He's becoming a regular for one of the best teams in the league just this season and is starting to figure out what it's like to play man soccer. Give the guy a chance. He could still be huge for the U.S.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:01 PM on July 16, 2006
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:30 PM on July 16, 2006
I'm starting to wonder how really attractive the US job is to a proven international-level leader, much less a man who could "have a career for the ages" per Tex's link.
- Arena's eight years was too long, most of the commentary now says
- The team will probably (hopefully?) pick up for 2010 but the real target seems to be 2014
posted by billsaysthis at 06:41 PM on July 16, 2006
My money is on not being able to land Klinsi or Hiddink and having to pick up an MLS coach. I really want to be wrong, though.
posted by igottheblues at 07:07 PM on July 16, 2006
Arena is a passable coach at best. That is a complete load of crock. As the espn article refers to, it is moreso a factor of his tenure running its course more than anything else. Exceeding expectation in 2002? 2 MLS cups in 3 years? 5 NCAA championships in 18 years. With one of the highest winning percentages in any collegiate sport? For this and more, go here. Yes, the US disappointed at one of how many tournaments/games they played? Also remember- the players failed to score or show any passion, not him. I will not disagree that a new coach was needed with new direction, but to plead that Arena is not a good soccor coach shows an obscene lack of research and perspective.
posted by jmd82 at 09:43 PM on July 16, 2006
Anyone taking the job now is unlikely to be the coach in 2014 and, projecting the existing power team rosters for South Africa, why would the US be likely to do better than lose in the Round of 16 Because (a) they might get an easier group and (b) it's not being held in Europe. Four years out, I predict a World Cup in Sth Africa of the kind seen in Japan/Korea - more upsets as teams play outside their comfort zones. And, back on topic, Hiddink was asked to stay by Australia but left for more roubles, while his assistant, Johan Neeskens, is now Frank Rijkard's assistant at Barcelona. Houllier has also passed on the Aussie job, which may mean he's holding out for the US one (or not).
posted by owlhouse at 10:02 PM on July 16, 2006
"I thought Hiddink was committed to Russia Abramovich already?" Yep.
posted by walrus at 03:03 AM on July 17, 2006
Freddy is not the next Pele but better coaching could certainly make him a better player.
posted by swobe at 11:23 AM on July 17, 2006
I agree with the comments about Johnson - has yet to reach his potential on the international stage, for sure. Under Klinsman he could almost become a Klose or Frings. As for ADu, don't forget his has dual citizenship in USA and Ghana. If he does blossom to the point of becoming desirable to a national team manager, that manager will also have to be one that could convince him to play for the US. He'd be a bigger fish in a smaller pond in Ghana, and the Ghana national team frankly looks better than the American one at the moment.
posted by rgchappell at 04:53 PM on July 17, 2006
Freddy played back in January against Canada. He only played about 10 minutes, but this rules him out ever playing for anybody other than the US per FIFA rules.
posted by Ricardo at 07:05 PM on July 17, 2006
Arena was & still is a very good coach, will have no problem getting another job. The U.S. biggest problem & still is, the players we have are not raiseing to the level it takes to get to the top. Maybe another ten years.
posted by dplay987 at 07:38 PM on July 17, 2006
Ricardo, I'm pretty sure that friendlies don't count but if the rumors about Adu going to Hearts are true than the odds of him playing for Ghana internationally are higher. Except for one thing: playing for USA will bring a lot more money in than Ghana. Seriously more.
posted by billsaysthis at 11:54 PM on July 17, 2006
The talk of Adu playing for Ghana is a red herring. Nothing of the sort will happen. Whether it's strictly official yet or not, and unless I've missed an interview stating otherwise that contradicts what I've seen so far, he's chosen the USA as his country now, for better or worse. And I agree Arena did a fantastic job, and will have no trouble finding another coaching gig whenever he decides he wants one, either at a club level or on the international stage.
posted by chicobangs at 11:57 PM on July 17, 2006
Update: He's the new Red Bulls coach. Well, that didn't take long.
posted by chicobangs at 02:02 AM on July 19, 2006
Update: He's the new Red Bulls coach. Now maybe the skids are sufficiently greased for Klinsmann to at least acknowledge interest in the job without stepping on his friends toes.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 10:02 AM on July 19, 2006
Arena is a passable coach at best. If the U.S. is to continue to advance on the world stage they will need someone more able at the helm. And better players. Come on Freddie.