Article further fuels fire that U.S. in trouble heading into Costa Rica match

You might say the timing of this article from Brian Strauss in Sporting News was not great for the U.S. National team who has been criticized for his leadership and methods and claims the players are in dis-array .

I assume after training today the press will be asking many a question around Jurgen Klinsmann the manager and his methods.

The author Brian Strauss mentions in the piece that he spoke with 22 individuals who spoke on anonymity with ties to the national team or its members and in the end according to the article there was agreement that faith is potentially flagging in Klinsmann.

Boy would I love to know whom some of these individuals are because I can assure you some are players that have not gotten a call up or have reason to be critical.

Still, in saying that a pattern has developed and the shadow around Klinsmann is that he has always been a motivator and has lacked tactical acumen. How many times have you heard the success of Germany related to the tactical brain of Jogi Low who was at the time Klinsmann’s assistant.
Or current German international Phillip Lahm’s accusations of no tactical direction of Klinsmann.
Still my hope is that he is successful, never have we had a coach with his playing background . Yet, will all know that is not a guarantee of being a good coach.

*Constant lineup changes have been cited
*Purpose of play not defined
*lack of confidence in the coaching staff
*over commitment to gyms and nutrition
* That assistant Martin Vazquez is just a yes man
* players unsure of roles and responsbility

We must factor in that we are one game into the Hexagonal with a loss to Honduras and the truth on Klinsmann who led Germany to a historic run at home in the 2006 World Cup and fared less well as manager of Bayern Munich lies likely somewhere in between.
Sure change means upheaval at times and that is what happened to Germany but the danger here is the change is going on while in the midst of the Hexagonal.

He may just be a motivator and leadership at the top is important yet players still have a responsibility in this situation.
I am still dumbfounded as to why so many German Americans were in the starting lineup in Honduras whom never had been in that situation, climate or country coming from winter in Europe. Yes, I know they needed to get Tim Chandler cap tied.

It is confusing and word has the German American contingent is split from U.S. based players. Still grouping in cliques develop in all teams as does jealousy. Trust me on this one.

Klinsmann believes the only way to get players to a different level according to the article is to go through a difficult period. Truth be told this is what happened when he took Germany deep into the 2006 World Cup yet he did not have to do this during a qualifying process.

I remember being in Germany to call an Espn game and the entire country was against Klinsmann who preached patience and that it would come together. Does the mystic need more time? Will it come together?
Friday will be huge with an un-settled back four and Brad Guzan in his most important game in goal for the United States.

In the back of our minds, and you have likely thought this……it is far too early for the what “if’s” but rest assured that running around in the heads of many is the worry of not qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil.
If this happened, it would be a short term disaster for the growth of the sport in the U.S.

I will only add this to the article, the fact that healthy pressure in the media is evident is a sign that the sport is growing and all involved will have to be big boys.
Klinsmann will handle this without problem in the media .
His judgement will be simply on qualifying for the World Cup.

The truth here likely is somewhere in between and with an injury epidemic, a less than experienced roster in critical areas plus the pressure of the moment on Friday against Costa Rica this gets more pressure filled.

Landon?