A variety of newspapers and sources are saying that Jurgen Klinsmann will be the next U.S. National team coach. Some sticking points mentioned have been his association with Adidas (US Soccer is funded by Nike) control of team and salary which we have heard since the persistent rumor of the former German National team as the next U.S. coach came out of the World Cup . Klinsmann led Germany to the semi-finals.
Alot leans to him being the correct choice for U.S. Soccer:
1. Respect of players (he clearly had that with Die Mannschaft (German National team)
2. Ability to make the tough decision in the face of pressure (who was not impressed with Klinsmann and his press dealings with the country predicting failure during the 2006 World Cup, of course he will not have that level of pressure in the U.S. and he selected Jens Lehmann over Oliver Kahn prior to World Cup to diffuse the focus on the feuding goalkeepers)
3. Familiar with U.S. player (Klinsmann has lived in California and has worked with players in the U.S.)
4. The former striker is attack-minded and had an outstanding playing career. (Jose Mourinho of Chelsea and Arrigo Sacchi who coached Chelsea have proven that you don’t have to have been a top class player to be successful as a coach but Klinsmann was an amazing player.)
5. Willing to take risk. (He did it with Germany changing the system and mentality of players instilling confidence all the while for the World Cup in the face of a nation and as a player took risks….remember his move to Tottenham in England where he won over English fans, what about his move to Monaco. Oh and he likes to back-pack in the wilds.)
This was a man who stuck his sword in the ground in the face of a nation of pressure and stuck to his beliefs about how Germany should play. The rest was history during the 2006 World Cup, for me Germany was the real story not Italy’s triumph or Zidane’s monster mistake.
With this hiring Sunil Gulati already wins over U.S. Soccer fans.
Is Klinsmann the choice for you?

Barcelona and stars Ronaldinho and Deco stand on the brink of Champions League elimination Tuesday at the Nou Camp against German club Werder Bremen who with a tie or a win would advance over the Catalan giants in Champions League group play.
Chelsea have already advanced in their group so it comes simply down to this, they must beat red-hot German team Werder Bremen in order to advance . So who will join Chelsea ?
Problem is it won’t be easy for Barcelona despite being at home.
Werder Bremen have already beaten giants Chelsea in Champions League play and Bayern Munich in Bundesliga play during this season having won 10 matches in a row including this past weekends 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin.
This should be compelling see striker Miroslav Klose and company up against Frank Rijkaard’s star studded side. The game also will mark Barcelona’s 400th European match………….DC United head coach Peter Nowak and Houston Dynamo Chief Operating Officer Chris Canetti join me on the ‘Soccer Hour with Glenn Davis’ this Wednesday at 7pm on 790am radio. Call in number is 713-212-5790

Christmas Camp with Glenn Davis and MLS Players on Dec. 18-21

“A” Licensed youth soccer coach and former professional soccer player Glenn Davis will conduct a Christmas Camp at the Pin Oak Fields in Bellaire. Davis will be assisted by former American University player Michael Grinsfelder plus Josh Gardner of the LA Galaxy.
Other MLS players will stop by during the week to address youth players in the camp.
The culmination of the camp includes the December 21st Soccer Match for Cancer Awareness where MLS, college, and top amateur players will play at benefit game that is free of charge. The MLS Cup won by your HOUSTON DYNAMO will also be at the event and fans can have their pictures taken with the Cup. Players will do an autograph session after the match for youth and fans in attendance.

CHRISTMAS CAMP WITH GLENN DAVIS

When: Dec. 18-21 5-7:15 pm
Where: Pin Oak Middle School in Bellaire
Who: Male and female players 8-18
Fee: $135 includes t-shirt
for more information and application go to Soccer 4 All stores or www.bellairesoccerclub.org

The camp will focus on all aspects of individual technique plus individual and group play.
Sessions will be fast moving with an emphasis on game play each and every evening.

Former Swedish International star Henrik Larsson is set to join Manchester United in an effort to give depth at the striker position according to manager Alex Ferguson.
Larsson currently playing with Helsingborgs will join on a three month loan in January to March that will include 13 potential matches (Champions League/EPL) that he could appear in.
It seems Ferguson is not taking any chances and the signing of the 35 year old comes as a surprise yet could Larsson repeat magic from last year at Barcelona.
His timely performances as a second half sub had alot to do with the success of Barcelona last year. Who can forget how off the bench against Arsenal in the Champions League Final he changed the game? At Barca his professionalism was impressive.
Larsson’s other great attribute is that he is essentially ego-less which makes a three month deal a possibility knowing that he will accept any role given to him.
Ferguson talks about experience and maturity when he talks about Larsson. This is also a move of security for United manager Ferguson whose squad won this weekend against Middlesbrough to take a six point lead in the Premiership over Chelsea.

Good game watching Sunday may take on the form of Mexican League Playoffs between Pachuca and Toluca at 2 pm and Club America and Chivas at 9.
The NCAA Womens and Mens College Cups are on ESPN today with Notre Dame taking on UNC (who knocked off our local Aggies) and an All California final between UCLA and Santa Barbara.
UCLA beat UVA 4-0 scoring four second half goals but it was over at 2-0 when talented David Estrada scored 2 goals in 67 seconds. Both goals never should have happened.
A clear missed tackle from a UVA defender and poor goalkeeping on the second on a shot from an angle from Estrada made these two goals conceded a little bit self inflicted.
Nonetheless UCLA looked the better team.
Due to weather in St. Louis that cancelled Fridays semis the teams will be playing back to back games. Hopefully both coaches enlisted top quality massage therapists between games.
On another note and sorry if you feel I am harping but please take the time and sign our www.glenndavissoccer.com petition to Texas Universities and colleges. Some of the remarks are just fantastic. Texas schools like UH, Rice, UT, Texas AM should have division 1 mens soccer. How can we keep allowing our top talent to go out of state?
I would love to see UH, Rice, UT, Texas AM in an NCAA mens final one day.
It’s just plain wrong.

A penalty kick from Ramon Morales in the 53rd minute and an Omar Bravo goal in the 61st minute at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico have given Chivas a two goal advantage over Club America going into the second leg of the Mexican League semi-finals this Sunday at Azteca Stadium.
After an even first half Chivas struck twice in 7 minutes early in the second half yet the hero on the night was Chivas goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez who secured the two goal advantage and denied a road goal to Club America after saving a late penalty kick from Salvador Cabanas of Club America. Both penalties were controversial.
Club America’s Cuauhetemoc Blanco was a not factor and head coach Luis Tena elected to bring on former Argentine international Claudio Lopez in the second half who also did not factor .
Club America will be without workmanlike midfielder German Villa after he was given a second yellow card late in the match. Down two goals Club America will have the responsibility of carrying the attack at home on Sunday.
Adolfo Bautista was visibly upset with Chivas coach De La Torre after being subbed out near the end of the match and had to be restrained on the bench.