Posted on 04/07/2014 9:44:22 AM PDT by 1rudeboy
Juergen Klinsmann hasn't made many missteps in his 2 1/2 years of coach of the U.S. national team. Still it was hard not to question last week's decision to jettison Martin Vasquez, his longtime right-hand man, and replace him with Tab Ramos and former German national team coach Berti Vogts.
Sacking your top assistant two months before the World Cup is a little like a presidential candidate dumping his running mate after the convention. So was it an act of panic or prescience?
It's too early to tell. But the early returns are promising.
Vazquez had reportedly lost the ear of the national team's players, which probably made the move necessary. Vogts is one of the most experienced managers in international soccer, which made the late timing work.
And if any of that inspired Klinsmann's change in strategy ahead of last Wednesday's friendly with Mexico, the change may ultimately prove to be a brilliant one.
Against Mexico, the U.S. discarded the 4-2-3-1 formation Klinsmann has long favored for a more conventional 4-4-2 alignment. He also moved Michael Bradley, who has quietly — and unquestionably — become the best player for the U.S. from a defensive position to the tip of a midfield diamond.
For the first 45 minutes, Bradley was unstoppable, scoring one goal, setting up another and basically dominating play. Mexico neutralized Bradley in the second half by flooding the midfield, leading to the two scores that allowed it to escape with a 2-2 draw.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Amazing how Bradley has progressed into near superstar status. I remember when people were grousing that the only reason Bradley was on the USMNT was because of his father. The guy is a beast and always plays with heart.
I was not happy with blowing that game with Mexico.....I think that spells big problems ahead.
But I will say, I was very happy seeing Everton destroy Piers Morgan’s favorite team yesterday.
To be fair, Arsenal have done a pretty fair job of destroying themselves in important matches.
Concur.
I didn’t know Piers Morgan’s favorite team was Arsenal. Funny that they’re nicknamed the “Gunners.”
I know, the irony is delicious.
Sorry if that sounds overly negative, just trying to be realistic IMHO.
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