Morning Aggregate: Captain Clint Dempsey, Leader Michael Bradley
By Doug Smith
The United States Men’s Soccer team has about a day and a half left to prepare for their match with Costa Rica. Training was open to the media yesterday and there is still plenty of fall out around this post regarding Jurgen Klinsmann’s tactics and communication. Players and others close to the situation said that Klinsmann changes tactics at the last minute and may be burning bridges. It is surely the USMNT article with the most web hits this week. There is still a lot of reaction coming in so here are a few pieces worth your time.
Tim Howard, despite not being with the team this week, says there is no divide and that morale is high.
"We are completely unified in our ultimate goal, which is to qualify for the World Cup."
D.J. Switzer questions the timing of the post. There are some good points here. Brian Straus knew this post was a big draw and the fan base was already uneasy. One may also wonder who the sources really are and if there are any axes to grind. Maybe this speaks more to players not wanting to be challenged and liking things the way they were under Bob Bradley. Let’s hope not.
Michael Bradley weighed in as well. He’s not happy.
Bradley’s full comments can be seen here. Herculez Gomez also commented on the story and the ensuing discussion saying it is good for the country. This isn’t the first time coaching strategy has been questioned in U.S. Soccer.
We sent out a tweet when the story dropped that it reminded us of little league baseball in a small town. There is a lot of politics and the coaches’ sons get the first chance at everything. Everyone else just whines, but when you really look at it that doesn’t matter. What matters is your performance on the field and knowing what your strengths are as a player and where you fit in the team. If the whiners put the effort on the field they are rewarded. Hard work pays off, not talking. The results over the next few days could determine further impact on this news. Positive results will probably sweep this under the rug.
Feb 6, 2013; San Pedro Sula, HONDURAS; USA forward Clint Dempsey (8) before a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Honduras at Estadio Olimpico. Honduras defeated the United States 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In other news, Clint Dempsey was named the captain for the matches against Costa Rica and Mexico. It is out of his comfort zone and most thought Bradley was the favorite for the armband. Grant Wahl reported that one current USMNT player was hopeful that Dempsey would get the captain moniker because it would force him to play more for team. Interesting concept there as the tactical features of the USMNT lineup has changed so much. We all know Klinsmann’s starting lineups have been completely different as well, but there can definitely be a psychological affect of being called the captain. Jermaine Jones did wear the armband before and had an outside chance of doing it again. Perhaps, Bradley will get the armband by 2014, but for now it is Dempsey’s to own regardless of how foreign that may be for the Texas Tottenham player. Of course Deuce did rap before, which is out of our comfort zone.
Alvaro Sabario may miss the match against the United States on Friday night.
The other CONCACAF matches on Friday include Honduras versus Mexico and Jamaica versus Panama. You can keep track on our simple Hex page.
There is World Cup qualifying taking place all day Friday across the world. Steven Goff put a list together of how to watch beginning with Isreal versus Portgual at 8:45 am ET.
Also expect news about the other locations for the remainder of the home matches in the Hex today. The friendly with Germany on June 2nd should finally be made official as well.
Good read on Bruce Arena being Bruce Arena.
And finally…
"Ok. So what everyone wants to know. Yes.. Yes, I agree. My beard is E-P-I-C!"