Who Replaces Arena?

My soon to be brother-in-law suggested Jurgen Klinnsmann to take over. He is of the belief that regardless of what Germany does after the World Cup that he will move on. He already lives in America, LA to be specific and he has molded Germany into a strong, attacking team over the last two years.

I am of the belief that the US needs to hire a foreign manager. I know that might not be the most popular opinion around here, but I think bringing in some blood from the outside would help implement some new ideas both on and off the pitch in the training and development of American players. We will see what happens.

Props to Bruce Arena though for his work over the eight years he has been in charge. He has done really well I just think it is time for a change.

 

Klinsmann gets my vote. Bruce Arena did a commendable job building a respectable program and raising expectations. Now I think we need a foreign manager, one who knows what it takes to get to the finals, to take the team to the next level. Somebody who is not afraid to schedule tough friendlies or bench veterans when they underperform. Somebody who is flexible and creative enough to adapt his team on the fly. Somebody who understands that Landon Donovan is a nice player, but not the one you build a team around. Somebody who realizes that MLS is not the place to develop world class players.

I have heard rumors that Klinsmann will leave the Germany squad after the World Cup, regardless of their result. I think he should be our man.

 

Completely off the topic of a new coach, why is it that the USA never competes in Copa America? It happens every four years in between World Cups. I know it is not a confederation thing as Mexico competed in the last one in 2004. I know the US would not win this, but it is a competition that I feel could help boost the squad and pit them against bigger and better teams in a tournament atmosphere about as close to the World Cup as you will get.

The Gold Cup and other garbage tournaments are not going to get it done. Playing against Canada, Panama and other undermanned countries will not boost this US Mens National Team to a level we all want to see. To be the best you have to compete against the best.

Whomever the new coach is needs to make it a priority as Martin mentioned to schedule tougher teams on a more consistent basis and in my opinion one way to do that is by competing in Cope America in 2008.

 

Yes I totally agree. We neeeeeeed a foreign manager. But I do want to make sure he's not biased against MLS players. Four years from know when the next Dempsey arises we can't afford to leave him home because the new guy won't take a look at MLS players.

Yes Copa America would be great! We need competitive games against Argentina and Brazil every now and then. One last thing, Gold Cup also interferes with MLS play, so if MLS releases players for GC then they should for CA.

 

I believe Bruce has taken us as far as he can and under his coaching we will only plateau as a team.

Not to knock Bruce too much but he had more resources as the coach of the USMNT than any other coach previous. He had MLS, a draft system, better College players, THE MLS etc.

A foreign coach (European) is the way to go, they will give us the tactics to deal with teams such as England, Italy and France that we don't get to see that often.

 

As much as I love "The Bruce" and would like to see him respond to this World Cup (b/c if Korea didnt beat Portugal 1-0 in '02 we are probably not even talking about him now)....

I'm under the same thought that he has taken this train that is the USMNT as far as he can, and done a heck of a job as well. True he has had more resources than others in the past, but for the most part he made smart use of what he had or was dealt with. As Yallop put it about the Canada job, your not really coaching these guys, but putting together players and more like "staffing" a team that can produce a result. While at times Bruce was questioned, he did good at making the U.S. program and soccer player something than can finally..FINALLY compete at a level of decent soccer.....now the last few games have that in question, but years before most would not have known about the USMNT playing and if they did lose to Czech it was expected..this time around people that usually dont know about soccer knew that "we (u.s. team) lost" now chances are they will forget about it until some "crazy" soccer incident happens again...but the sport, albeit not stopping traffic, but the sport is getting out there...the U.S. not getting out of the group has pissed people off (me!) and to that we can give Bruce and his staff thanks....if I ever see the day of the U.S. getting to a WC final and dare I say....nope, dont wanna jinx it forever...but when something BIG does happen (past quarterfinals)....Bruce will be part of the history that as they say "laid the foundations" for U.S. soccer success....

WOW did I get carried away....was gonna rant on Landon and Beasley...but I need to let my hands ice first!

COYW......beat Man U. to kick off the season...EASSSSSSSSYYYYYYYYYY

 

I heard Klinnsmann's name being tossed around during a pre-match show yesterday or today...mmm I forget when. Anyways, yeah I think he'd be a great choice. He already lives in Cali so we wouldn't have to pry him away from a home in Europe or anything. Like everyone's already said, Arena has done alot, but someone with experience of having coached a European team could potentially do wonders for USMNT.

 

Hey! "I luv ya, man..." But REALLY!!!!

What is THAT about? If anything, and judging from on-field performances of subs, we only need be sure he isnt prejudiced against MLS.

Agree to the max.. short corners never fool anyone. Unless it LOOKS like one and goes to the six-box, instead.
If we can identify two strikers.

Back to your first point.. Who besides Demerit deserved a look? And can we agree that Demerit is still proving himself?

Before you run off to Yanks Abroad to give me a list, allow me to remind you that the majority of those who run off to NorseLand tend to be those who want to play with deficient MLS/1st Division skills with the added attraction of 'plenty of blonde chicks'.

Now... IF you are talking about Donovan, then I understand your point but it's mis-aimed. Donovan HAS the skills but:

1. He's rusty and hasnt been using them... because of a dumass coach (Sampson) AND not playing against enough stiff opposition.
2. His head isnt on right.

For obvious reasons, I dont want Sigi to take the job. Though, unless he quickly makes order out of the chaos he's installed in Columbus (essentially an expansion team), there's not much chance of him being offered it.
He'll get Columbus fixed, I'm sure.. but not sure he'll be able to fix the US team.

As to Klinsmann, I'm in favor.. but with Germany he made a team of World Class players look like a great team.

The US role is different: making a team of GOOD players look World Class.

 

RE: Re: Who Replaces Arena?

Baeball is dead, or at least has a terrible condition.

 

RE: Re: RE: Re: Who Replaces Arena?

You are correct about baseball in Florida, and Georgia if you want to get down to it. Marlins are run by a money grubbing owner whose team plays in a football stadium, Devil Rays play inside the least attractive indoor stadium around, with more Yankees fans than home fans, and the Braves (my team) can't manage a decent number of ticket sales for an NL finals game, which they won't be having for quite a while.

But I digress. Me thinks Footy should be played January - August, filling the void for the oh-so-many of us who have soured on a ridiculously ridiculous, long and boring basketball season, and a very disenchanting, actionless, and equally as long and boring baseball season.

 

RE: Re: RE: Re: Who Replaces Arena?

Hmmm, an idea that makes sense. Being in the South, we forget about things like...snow???