The Soccer Thread (Version 14.5) -- We Don't Need Another Euro

Before you hire the next Jürgen, make sure he fits and wants to coach.

 

US Soccer Twitter has its pound of flesh but no idea what to do next. Hire American? You're looking at an ancient retread (Bradley, Arena, Sampson, etc.) or a first-time national team coach. Do we want BJ Cunningham or David Wagner doing two years of OJT before being the centerpiece of the biggest event in US men's soccer in 30 years?
Hire a foreigner? Who's out there who is interested, has national team coaching experience, and at least some familiarity with US soccer? The rumormongers and Football Manager intelligentsia will drool over the thought of Jurgen Klopp or Jose Mourinho, but neither are all that realistic or show signs of being willing to work for what US Soccer wants to pay.
Whoever it is needs to get in the job fast so they can familiarize themselves with the players, install their system, and (if necessary) learn how to manage at an international level. My fear is we get another months-long search and more fawning coverage of Matt Crocker's battery of psychological testing only to end up with Roberto Martinez and a quick exit in the knockout round. The money will keep rolling in, though, so nothing will change.

 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE FULL CONMEBOL IN CHARLOTTE.



Ron Artest probably wishes Rob Stone could have been there on that fateful night in Auburn Hills to talk about him "interacting" with the Palace faithful. Where's Ben Wallace when you need him?

 

And security nowhere to be found

 

More action than you get in a year’s worth of Panthers games.

 

Word from the stadium is the players went into the stands to protect their families from the opposing fans.

 

There’s a shot I just saw of an Uruguayan player consoling his young son. The lack of security really needs to be brought into question.

 

That's almost the level of beating Bryce Young took last season.

Let no one say that there isn't passion for football in Charlotte ...

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Dear Colombia and Uruguay,

This is NOT what Sam Mills meant when he said "Keep Pounding."

 

Is there any way we can blame Tepper?

 

Don't underestimate @Sam Mills 51

 

Supposedly, some Colombian fans were tossing drinks among other things.

 

The somewhat ironic twist is Klopp would be perfect for the USMNT.

Yet he probably doesn't want the gig and they probably don't want to pay him.

His style would be ideal, though. After all, what has been the foundation of American soccer? Physicality and athleticism. The national team has often lacked the finesse and creativity needed to fully thrive on the world stage, but at its best it has been tireless and gritty.

That's a big part of Klopp's aggressive style. His challenge would be to find ways to turn that into goals and wins, but he's at least already have personnel ready to run and press and counter for 90 minutes every time out.