Bob Bradley has done a fine job with the team since taking over in 2006 after the gigantic failure that was the 06 WC team. However, I'm wondering if he's taken them as far as he possibly can. Is it time to throw money at a big name (like taking another shot at Jurgen Klinsmann)? Does Bradley get rewarded for what he's done (Gold Cup, 2nd @ Confed Cup, group winner in WC) and get an extension? My opinion is that he should be rewarded with a nice bonus and a hearty "Thank you, Bob" and sent on his way. I think he has done all he can with the limited depth. I'd like to see a big name come in and try to take this team to the next level. I'd love to see them take an actual serious shot at the Copa America, win the Gold Cup in 2011 so that they have another Confed Cup shot in 2013. There's plenty in the pool that will still be in their 20's for the run to 2014.
Bradley did ok but after hearing Klinnsman's description of how to improve US futbol this morning Jurgen should be America's next coach.
I love what Bradley has done with this team. I like him a hell of a lot more then Arena. With that said, I think we need a European (maybe even South American) perspective on soccer. We play soccer, we need to learn to play futbol. After watching teams like Argentina and Germany I realized one thing: to be a great team we need a stronger offense and a stronger defense. In the entire time I've watched US soccer it seems like they do not know how to command a lead. Scoring early AND holding onto a lead is not in their repertoire. We had Brazil in a corner in the confed cup but let them slip away. Good teams know how to hold the lead, and I think a man like Bradley can only take this team so far. New blood is not a bad thing...
It's hard to listen to him and think what might have been if Sunil Gulati wasn't a control freak. Maybe it still can be...
That has a lot more to do with the players on the field than the coach. We're at a fairly large talent deficit in comparison to countries like Germany or Argentina.
I think it is time for him to move on and for the USA to get someone that can take it to the next level. Maybe Klinsman is the guy, maybe not. DD
Not one of the goals scored on the US could be blamed on Howard. With all of the questionable keeping in the tournament, Howard was very good.
I vote for Klinnsman...but if we're forced to go the local MLS/American route...then I vote Dominic Kinnear.
That is almost exactly what my dad has been saying for 8 years now. Literally he's said to me that "we need to take soccer to the Ghettos of America and hope that it takes the place of basketball. Soccer is cheaper and easier to play in poorer areas because literally all you need is a ball. No rim, no net, just a ball".
I like Dom as coach of the Dynamo but from what I know about him from people I know who've played and now play for the Dynamo, I don't it'd be a good choice. If the US had to go American again then I'd go w/ Sigi Schmid. He already knows most of the players from his time coaching the U-20's in 99 and in 05. Foreign has to be the route now though, in my opinion. It shoulda been Jurgen four years ago and now is the time to bring him in.
Klinsmann sold me. He said it right. You see those Brazillian guys, and where are most from? Aren't they from the favelas? They play barefoot in the dirt. I think only Kaka is from a privileged upbringing. Get with the hispanic population. When I see kids from my neighborhood playing soccer, I see them in mostly Mexican club gear or Mexican National team gear, despite being born in the USA. I don't think US Soccer reaches out to them. Also, I might be wrong, but someone can confirm for me or not, but the Dynamo academy won't let you play for another club team or even your high school team. I'm not sure how it works with other MLS teams. I can get with not playing for another club team, but not your high school? I know Friday night football is king in Texas, but I think Texas soccer could be a hot breeding ground.
I doubt Klinsmann is the answer. He says all the right things to impress people, but he lacks experience and is a somewhat sinister character. And trust me, I know him well.
I agree that it is time to move on from Bradley. He has done good things with the team, and overall he definitely had a positive impact on the USMNT. What we did in the Gold Cup, Confederations Cup, and now World Cup, all while under Bradley, were great. That said, I agree that we now need to move on to bigger things. If Klinsmann is the guy, then that is great. Also, sometimes Bradley seemed to overthink things and make questionable decisions. Not that ALL coaches sometimes make questionable decisions, but just looking back at the Ghana game, the starts of Clark and Findley probably cost us the game. Clark hadn't played in a couple of games and Findley is just not good enough period (and should never have been on the squad imo).
