“With great power comes great responsibility.”
A great quote that defines U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati’s role in the beautiful game. Gulati is a man that wields a lot of influence, but he is also a man that understands his own obligation to the growth and prosperity of the world’s game here in the U.S.
Gulati and U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn spent the last few weeks evaluating the performance of the men’s national team and came to a strong conclusion: change and reform were needed in the U.S. program and Bob Bradley has taken the program as far as he can. The solution and the choice was clear: Jurgen Klinsman will overhaul the men’s program from top to bottom in hopes of getting the U.S. among the Brazils, Englands, Germanys, and Spains of international soccer.
Some may say it was a bold move to fire Bradley after showing support for his tenure on several occassions. But it was a necessary move as everyone realized that Team Bradley was never going to win the World Cup and that the program was missing something that is hard to put to words.
The introduction of Jurgen Klinsmann truly defines a new era of soccer in America and a new direction for the men’s national team. It is a switch in philosophy and tactics, one with higher expectations and greater potential. It comes at a crucial time as America’s greatest generation of footballers begins to yield to a new and yet unknown group of young players. People in the program know that Landon Donovan and Tim Howard won’t be there forever, but there is great uncertainty about where that next step will be.
It comes at a time where the U.S. lacks a strong identity and needs to step up or risk losing out to more progressive programs from across the world. Simply put, the USMNT needs Jurgen Klinsmann.
There is no question that Gulati has put great faith and confidence in Klinsmann, who has been successful at every level and position in international soccer. When asked about giving up power, Gulati said, “There has never been an issue of control. The understanding that we’ve had about moving forward and collaborating, quite frankly, has been pretty clear for many years.” But we all understand that Gulati has also given Klinsmann the power to make big-time changes for the good of the game.
The spirit of collaboration and working towards a greater goal was something that seemed to be missing under Bradley’s regime. That is why so many people, including Klinsmann himself, are excited about the hiring. “There are always different moments, different timing, and right now the timing is right,” the former German national team and Bayern Munich head coach stated. “We had a clear understanding of what we want to do, and that’s why I’m really happy that we’ve thought about this and found a comfort level for moving forward.”
There was a feeling that Klinsmann believes our system, particularly at the youth level, is behind the rest of the world. He wants to work closely with Claudio Reyna to make across the board changes that will have the greatest impact on the game nationwide. Klinsmann doesn’t just talk about reform; he is ready to make systematic changes that will propel the American game forward.
Klinsmann will hit the ground running in order to prepare for next week’s friendly against Mexico. His familiarity with the U.S. players and program will help ease his preparation for the August 10th match that will mark the beginning of his reign. You just get a good feeling with a man like Klinsmann in charge.
Today marked the most important event in U.S. Soccer since Pelé joined the New York Cosmos in 1975. Thanks to our own Bob Hasinski, ISN was there to witness the moment this morning in New York City. Here’s to a lot more big days for American soccer!
