Jurgen Klinsmann, head coach of the United States Men’s National soccer team, has been the topic of conversation from the weeks leading up to the World Cup. Klinsmann played for the German National Team in his glory days and was a key player during their 1990 World Cup championship, scoring many goals.
Aaron Green, former United States head coach, was appalled by the decision to make Klinsmann head coach in 2011 by merely stating, “the US team should be led by a US citizen”. Arguably true, it is a horrible mindset when it comes to moving forward. Despite his nationality, we should appreciate and support Klinsmann for the road he has traveled and for what he has to offer the United States soccer team in the years ahead. His emphatic enthusiasm has convinced some dual-national footballers to represent our red and white stripes.
Much criticism flourished when the decision came out that Landon Donovan, all time top scorer for the United States in the past 3 World Cups, was left off the US roster for younger and fresher talent. Although controversial, Klinsmann's approach to the squad in Brazil was utter talent and what he felt were the best 21 American players. When it comes down to it, we need a head coach to be confident in his decisions in what he thinks will bring us to victory and keep progressing as a nation. We are not a nation of many accolades when it comes to the brilliant sport of soccer. It is an exciting time for our nation in the most popular sport and with our cards played right, the only way to move is up.
Experienced to say the least, Jurgen has been where every American player wants to be, and can teach the talent and poise that must come within a champion. The tactical approach to recruiting for American soccer is admirable by the head coach. He is now overseeing much of the youth US players and is the strongest recruiter we've seen. He believes that the most talented players for the US should be playing in the most talented leagues, which unfortunately is not US Major League Soccer for the time being. This has expanded the horizons of the recruiting process and gives the United States a more global reputation. For example, in the World Cup game against Belgium in Roung 16, a German player on the US team named Julian Green was the only player to score a goal against Belgium. Respect has been demanded, especially in the tie versus Portugal (which was a win until the flawed last minute). The months leading up to the cup were promising as well, with a win streak and a tactically genius formation which was later destroyed by injuries during the cup.
So the question is, will you instill confidence in him too? Are you willing to take a new approach to this country's standpoints when it comes to moving forward? Are you in the same mindset as Jurgen, the fearless and charming champion that has so much to offer, or can we count you out with Aaron Green, the pessimist holding back our success we owe to the melting pot. The fame and success brought forward by our head coach is progress for the books, and deserves your immediate attention and utmost respect, for the time is now for the Yanks.
