Bob Bradley fired as USA National Soccer Coach

[Adam West]

Very surprising considering what he has accomplished during his tenure and that he was offered a contract extension through 2014 (the next men's World Cup). You can't squeeze blood out of a stone and I thought he did a pretty darn good job with what he had. I'm sure there will be more to the story over the next few days. The article raises criticism over having his son play, but quite frankly, his son is one of the better players on the team.

http://http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/sports/soccer/bob-bradley-fired-as-coach-of-us-mens-national-soccer-team.html

[toys2cool]

I feel for him, but think it's time for a change...hopefully it won't backfire on them

[wolfie]

.........................and so it begins.

[Hector]

The article hits the nail on the head...

Fairly or unfairly, frequent criticisms of Bradley began to resurface: he was too conservative, favored players like his son Michael, did not develop a sufficiently creative attacking style, and coached a team that often fell behind early and had to catch up using fitness and determination rather than technical skill.

I think that pretty much sums it up.

[Hector]

They should really go for Jürgen Klinsmann...now that he's interested.

A quote from that article:

Bradley’s firing will ignite the debate about whether the United States team should be coached by an American or could flourish under a foreign coach. Some, like Bruce Arena, the former national team coach, have said an American coach is necessary to understand the American mentality.

That kinda thinking is hogwash...it's not about understanding the American mentality...it's about understanding world soccer...and how to compete and eventually beat foreign soccer powers.

Look...the USA squad has one of the best athletes in the world...but they lack certain things...their game is physical...and they have a strong will and tons of heart...but they lack innovation...they are rather predictable...and at times...too mechanical...their game seems outdated and not modern enough...they have to play with a bit more flair and passion...borrow some of that from Brazil...and they need to develop a more possession-minded philosophy...a la Italiano...borrow from other teams' successes...fused them all together...and you'll start seeing a gaint killer soon...I truly believe this.

[Adam West]

My guess is that they already have Klinsmann or a suitable successor lined up. They don't offer someone a contract extension just a few months ago and then fire them unless they have a plan in place. The U.S.-Spain game doesn't even fit into the equation because it was our "B" team against their "A" squad. The U.S.-Mexico game is a different story. I do agree with everything stated about what the U.S. needs and we have even discussed it here. I just don't see anyone on the radar right now (player wise) who has it. I do think the U.S. is setting the stage at the youth level to pull excellent players early and develop them as other countries do but it is going to be a while on the men's side. The women's side is already there. They have a Swedish coach and since I have mostly worked on the girl's side of soccer since my daughter has been the one taking it the furthest, have seen the talent (there are girls at age 14 that can play as good or better than most 14 year old boys and my daughter who I consider good but not great is easily better than I ever was right now.

[clemso]

Confirmed, Jurgen is your man, good move in my opinion, terrific coach.

Juergen Klinsmann hired to coach U.S. men's soccer national team - ESPN

[wolfie]

He would be better as your swimming coach, you're divers would be great.

[Hector]

He would be better as your swimming coach, you're divers would be great.

Hey...diving is a great technique...it has worked for Italy for a full century...

[Hector]

Confirmed, Jurgen is your man, good move in my opinion, terrific coach.

Juergen Klinsmann hired to coach U.S. men's soccer national team - ESPN

A step in the right direction.

[Hector]

Imagine Klinsmann's first move...getting rid of Michael Bradley...Bob's son...

[Hector]

USA vs Mexico...Aug 10th...in a friendly...should be interesting to watch.

[Adam West]

I knew something was up. They wouldn't just let Bradley go after a contract extension and I do think Michael Bradley is a great player (despite the articles on nepotism). The dive thing is B.S. USA soccer is very similar to English soccer, more technical and tactical as opposed to South American soccer which is more creative and individual skill oriented.

This is how Italy trains for soccer (and this was made prior to the last world cup)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl2F6P8bw9w

[Hector]