US Men's National Team (31 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

Any others step up?

Nice to see Adams in there... The teams better with him playing.

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

Musah. Ugh... I love the kid, but he's gone Jekyll and Hyde on us. He needs more PT at club level to work out the kinks. Overall, copa was a downgrade for me.

Swag... This could a big problem for arguably the US most consistent player the last 4 years. He didn't look in sync at all. And his club situation is dicey right now.. the US needs him firing for 26.

CBs... Another potential problem. Richards defended well, but was a liability in the ball. Ream- under intense pressure like URU, showed cracks with his distribution, which has been apparent since the end of the season for the US given his lack of PT for Fulham. CCV was awful vs Panama. Somebody else has to step up and fast.
Turner/GKs... First time in my life I feel like the position is a weakness for the US. Neither did anything to make me feel secure.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now that UsSF has made a swift and decisive move to get rid of GGG, who's the best replacement.


Oh...



Right.

This is very upsetting to me.

I laid out in the other thread all the items that should have been handled well before the Copa even started. There should be no deep dive needed.

Either announce he has been sacked or announce he will continue on as coach. Waiting this long for something that does not require any where near this amount of time, if you were even a semi professional organization, is just pure BS.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Howard checking in with his two cents

============

Tim Howard

@TimHowardGK

If I was in charge of US Soccer, I would fly to Spain and pay Jurgen Klopp a visit. I believe I could convince him to take the USMNT job. Gregg Berhalter will get the blame for this Copa America but much of the fault lies with the players.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Any others step up?

Nice to see Adams in there... The teams better with him playing.

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

Musah. Ugh... I love the kid, but he's gone Jekyll and Hyde on us. He needs more PT at club level to work out the kinks. Overall, copa was a downgrade for me.

Swag... This could a big problem for arguably the US most consistent player the last 4 years. He didn't look in sync at all. And his club situation is dicey right now.. the US needs him firing for 26.

CBs... Another potential problem. Richards defended well, but was a liability in the ball. Ream- under intense pressure like URU, showed cracks with his distribution, which has been apparent since the end of the season for the US given his lack of PT for Fulham. CCV was awful vs Panama. Somebody else has to step up and fast.
Turner/GKs... First time in my life I feel like the position is a weakness for the US. Neither did anything to make me feel secure.

I thought Pulisic stepped up - post-match antics against Uruguay aside (I'mm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and/or accept heat of the moment reactions).

He looked like he belonged in any squad in the world.

I like Weah - Red Card aside.

I liked Robinson.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

Any others step up?

Nice to see Adams in there... The teams better with him playing.

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

Musah. Ugh... I love the kid, but he's gone Jekyll and Hyde on us. He needs more PT at club level to work out the kinks. Overall, copa was a downgrade for me.

Swag... This could a big problem for arguably the US most consistent player the last 4 years. He didn't look in sync at all. And his club situation is dicey right now.. the US needs him firing for 26.

CBs... Another potential problem. Richards defended well, but was a liability in the ball. Ream- under intense pressure like URU, showed cracks with his distribution, which has been apparent since the end of the season for the US given his lack of PT for Fulham. CCV was awful vs Panama. Somebody else has to step up and fast.
Turner/GKs... First time in my life I feel like the position is a weakness for the US. Neither did anything to make me feel secure.

I thought Pulisic stepped up - post-match antics against Uruguay aside (I'mm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and/or accept heat of the moment reactions).

He looked like he belonged in any squad in the world.

I like Weah - Red Card aside.

I liked Robinson.

One way to reset the culture would be to say Weah is out of the program entirely. You don't get to cause a national embarrassment and assume you'll keep your spot. They should cut him, imo.

 

[gianmarco]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

 

[TennesseeJed]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

I am not sold on the efforts of either Reyna or McKenzie - at this point. Neither are a lost cause, but I do think they could both use better direction, and a little bit of stick in addition to carrot.

Agree with everything else here though.

 

[Dr_Zaius]

Speaking of McKennie, what's happened to his ability on set pieces? Has he lost something on his vertical? A few years ago it seemed like he was always getting onto the end of corners. I can't remember the last time he's registered a shot on goal off of one.

 

[prefontaine]

Any updates on Balo and Scally injuries?

Both guys did themselves well here.

Scally showed hes a capable RB (and I'm guessing LB) replacement, despite the drop from the starters to him.

Balo.. finally seemed to link up with teammates, and even did well with his target/hold up play. Feels like they're just starting figure out how to use him- whether that's a tactical or familiarity thing, I'm not sure. Seemed like they were finding him through the middle more and not just hoping he'd get on the end of a cross. would be interesting for somebody to break down how exactly that started to work.

Scally is still 21 too. He's got a lot of growth ahead - particularly in the dark arts of defense.

Balogun has suffered the same as everyone else that has played as a 9 under Berhalter. I think he's just getting more used to the system but I don't think it's ever going to use all his strengths. He's a counter attacker by nature.

But I think Balogun - or anyone up top given their skill sets - is going to be a lot more successful with Reyna feeding him. No one else that regularly plays delivers subtle through balls. Pulisic tends to set up shots for himself. But the best of the US attack was Reyna and Pulisic moving together. FTR, the US hasn't scored without Reyna on the pitch since last September vs Oman.

 

[berndog]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

@gianmarco…. nothing but love for you but this rants been building for awhile and with a crying baby sitting behind me on this flight and several drinks in me it’s coming out.

After this latest debacle Pulisic is the only auto start for me. Everyone else needs to feel some fear of sitting the pine. GGG ‘s club med, let me give you a hug and be your friend has led to 0 accountability. No discipline, no results and an entire team who hasn’t accomplished anything except beating a crappy Mexico team a few times. (Don’t get me wrong I loved those wins).
They believe the golden generation headlines and think cool Instagram posts and bro hugs makes them a team. They are a bunch of entitled underperforming Nancy’s where the sum is much less than the parts.
They are continually outperformed by teams we perceive to have less talent because they are filled with players from lesser pedigreed leagues. I despise GGG but the players aren’t beyond reproach. Excuses are free and results don’t lie.
Guess that’s a long way of saying no auto starts and fight for your place on the pitch

 

[prefontaine]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

 

[prefontaine]

Speaking of McKennie, what's happened to his ability on set pieces? Has he lost something on his vertical? A few years ago it seemed like he was always getting onto the end of corners. I can't remember the last time he's registered a shot on goal off of one.

It's definitely strange but honestly, our set piece delivery has been gawd awful the last few years, which definitely doesn't help.

 

[gianmarco]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

I've never looked it up, but I've never watched him and thought he was a defensive liability. I thought I was the only one. I think he does enough and at times, even moreso, given his position on the field.

 

[gianmarco]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

@gianmarco…. nothing but love for you but this rants been building for awhile and with a crying baby sitting behind me on this flight and several drinks in me it’s coming out.

After this latest debacle Pulisic is the only auto start for me. Everyone else needs to feel some fear of sitting the pine. GGG ‘s club med, let me give you a hug and be your friend has led to 0 accountability. No discipline, no results and an entire team who hasn’t accomplished anything except beating a crappy Mexico team a few times. (Don’t get me wrong I loved those wins).
They believe the golden generation headlines and think cool Instagram posts and bro hugs makes them a team. They are a bunch of entitled underperforming Nancy’s where the sum is much less than the parts.
They are continually outperformed by teams we perceive to have less talent because they are filled with players from lesser pedigreed leagues. I despise GGG but the players aren’t beyond reproach. Excuses are free and results don’t lie.
Guess that’s a long way of saying no auto starts and fight for your place on the pitch

No worries at all. And I get your rant.

That said, Robinson has to be on that list with him. 100% effort, never any issues, and honestly looking like one of the top LB in the best league, if not the entire world.

And, aside from injuries, same goes for Adams, although to a lesser extent from an ability standpoint.

 

[berndog]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

@gianmarco…. nothing but love for you but this rants been building for awhile and with a crying baby sitting behind me on this flight and several drinks in me it’s coming out.

After this latest debacle Pulisic is the only auto start for me. Everyone else needs to feel some fear of sitting the pine. GGG ‘s club med, let me give you a hug and be your friend has led to 0 accountability. No discipline, no results and an entire team who hasn’t accomplished anything except beating a crappy Mexico team a few times. (Don’t get me wrong I loved those wins).
They believe the golden generation headlines and think cool Instagram posts and bro hugs makes them a team. They are a bunch of entitled underperforming Nancy’s where the sum is much less than the parts.
They are continually outperformed by teams we perceive to have less talent because they are filled with players from lesser pedigreed leagues. I despise GGG but the players aren’t beyond reproach. Excuses are free and results don’t lie.
Guess that’s a long way of saying no auto starts and fight for your place on the pitch

No worries at all. And I get your rant.

That said, Robinson has to be on that list with him. 100% effort, never any issues, and honestly looking like one of the top LB in the best league, if not the entire world.

And, aside from injuries, same goes for Adams, although to a lesser extent from an ability standpoint.

I love how Adams got better every game and Robinson was terrific .
I really wish Robinson played the ball out of touch prior to Panama’s 2nd goal rather than trying to maintain possession. I think a couple second break would have let them regain composure. There was so much wrong with that game that may be nitpicking.
There is more than a few players who would benefit from emulating his constant effort.

 

[El Floppo]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

But those metrics are for ON the ball plays, not off the ball... Which is where I see him wanting. I keet watching the weak side and regularly see him floating lethargically and aimlessly without constantly monitoring the field around him and letting space and players develop dangerously. It's not good enough at this level unless we're using him as a gimmicky attack only guy.... Regardless of whether he can get in on a tackle or not

 

[NewlyRetired]

I still think Dempsey said it best

"The current core are better soccer players than my generation but they are not better USMNT players"

It is a conundrum that a new coach will struggle to figure out with so few competitive games.

 

[The Z Machine]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

I believe that. I also believe that loafing and not putting in the work is corrosive to a team that must be cohesive to achieve results. When Papa Reyna was playing, people were not loafing.

 

[The Z Machine]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

I believe that. I also believe that loafing and not putting in the work is corrosive to a team that must be cohesive to achieve results. When Papa Reyna was playing, people were not loafing.

And I think this is the root cause for Reyna's stagnation and rejection at the club level. He thinks he's entitled to play like Messi, where everyone else will pick up the slack from the lack of defensive effort. But he's not anywhere close to that level. Reyna is a luxury player in a game where luxury players aren't much help.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

My thoughts over the last few months, considering both club and USMNT form:

Auto-start/irreplaceable players -- Pulisic, Robinson, Adams, Dest, McKennie.

If those guys are available and healthy, they need to be in the lineup. Even with Dest's defensive limitations and antics, he was missed this tournament, IMO. Adams on the field brings the whole team to another level.

Should be starting most every game: Balogun, Weah, Reyna.

I liked Gio on the left. Weah still brings a lot to the team. Balogun is still our top striker and finally got involved.

We need to figure out BOTH CB, GK (Turner is ok, but could upgrade), and I'd like to see more of Tillman.

@gianmarco…. nothing but love for you but this rants been building for awhile and with a crying baby sitting behind me on this flight and several drinks in me it’s coming out.

After this latest debacle Pulisic is the only auto start for me. Everyone else needs to feel some fear of sitting the pine. GGG ‘s club med, let me give you a hug and be your friend has led to 0 accountability. No discipline, no results and an entire team who hasn’t accomplished anything except beating a crappy Mexico team a few times. (Don’t get me wrong I loved those wins).
They believe the golden generation headlines and think cool Instagram posts and bro hugs makes them a team. They are a bunch of entitled underperforming Nancy’s where the sum is much less than the parts.
They are continually outperformed by teams we perceive to have less talent because they are filled with players from lesser pedigreed leagues. I despise GGG but the players aren’t beyond reproach. Excuses are free and results don’t lie.
Guess that’s a long way of saying no auto starts and fight for your place on the pitch

Pulisic is of course an auto-start but if we're ranting about discipline, accountability and lack of a team concept, maybe its time to question his leadership as captain. He's still young but been at it long enough to take some accountability himself for the complete lack of discipline on the team - including ridiculous incidents with Dest, Reyna and now Weah. His behavior during and after the Uruguay game was unprofessional, undisciplined and disrespectful. He's got to be a better leader or we need someone else to be captain/leader of the team regardless of who the coach is.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Marsch comments

Jesse is such a messy ***** and I love it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

========

https://x.com/njdlauren
lauren

@njdlauren

Following USMNT is so funny man. Grouped on home soil, our alumns are publicly beefing on the timeline, two biggest supporters groups released statements calling for the manager’s head, Tim Howard is claiming he can seduce Klopp the managerial job. Mind you it’s only Wednesday

 

[prefontaine]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

I believe that. I also believe that loafing and not putting in the work is corrosive to a team that must be cohesive to achieve results. When Papa Reyna was playing, people were not loafing.

And I think this is the root cause for Reyna's stagnation and rejection at the club level. He thinks he's entitled to play like Messi, where everyone else will pick up the slack from the lack of defensive effort. But he's not anywhere close to that level. Reyna is a luxury player in a game where luxury players aren't much help.

I think this is spot on. When a coach gets through to him though (and hopefully this isn't an IF), he's going to explode. He has all the tools to be an elite defender to pair with his clear attacking mind.

He gets a lot of criticism, but he's still 21 so it's about how he matures. I've always felt like he is our KDB (to Pulisic's Hazard). KDB didn't get to Wolfsburg til 22 where he broke out. Gio is 21.

 

[El Floppo]

Gio... Mixed bag for me. His upside on the ball is clear. He showed good willingness to defend, which was great. But he still seems tactically naive/problematic about how to defend off the ball.

I've hesitated posting this because it likely isn't going to be well received here but Reyna has good defensive numbers for club and country. He sucks at always giving effort and he doesn't team defend well, but he's very good among attacking mids at things like tackles and interceptions. He's better than Aaronson at both per 90 (club numbers) which I know is shocking.

He's a very intelligent player that reads the game well. And he wins a lot of tackles. But he's not an elite defender because he loafs too much. Still the metrics suggest he's a pretty good one, even if it's infuriating to watch at times.

I believe that. I also believe that loafing and not putting in the work is corrosive to a team that must be cohesive to achieve results. When Papa Reyna was playing, people were not loafing.

And I think this is the root cause for Reyna's stagnation and rejection at the club level. He thinks he's entitled to play like Messi, where everyone else will pick up the slack from the lack of defensive effort. But he's not anywhere close to that level. Reyna is a luxury player in a game where luxury players aren't much help.

I think this is spot on. When a coach gets through to him though (and hopefully this isn't an IF), he's going to explode. He has all the tools to be an elite defender to pair with his clear attacking mind.

He gets a lot of criticism, but he's still 21 so it's about how he matures. I've always felt like he is our KDB (to Pulisic's Hazard). KDB didn't get to Wolfsburg til 22 where he broke out. Gio is 21.

The way he sees the field offensively, which is pretty elite at seeing space, shape and sequence, really should translate to seeing it the same ways defensively. I think that it hasn't reads as laziness on his part (hopefully) rather than some complete disconnect.

I agree- his next situation, coach and PT is going to be vital for what level player he becomes.

I was looking at an article the other day about him and his initial season as a teen, the metrics of which had him in the same tier as 4 other guys who have all become absolutely world class. Hes the obvious outlier

 

[Redwes25]

I will give my two cents on the team. I think the biggest issues is lack of playing time at the club level for a lot of our "top players". I was hoping that our guys would be progressing more then they are but they have seem to stagnate a bit. I also think we really need a new coach to take a clear look at this team as we do have some other young talent that I would love to see more off (Tillman, Cardoso, Tessmann). Of course maybe I got ahead of myself on this team generally.

Forwards - Pulisic seems like he has a world class player and Balo seemed to finally fit in. Hopefully Balo can get more PT with Monaco next season. Reyna looks like an excellent creator but he has yet to find a good place at Club level. At his age he needs to be playing more as he seemed not to have fit in at Nottingham last year. Reyna could also fit in our MF. Never really been sold on Weah as he brings pace but not much else in my mind.

Midfield - The MMA group has really seemed to be stagnant. I thought this was a team strength at last WC and would improve but honestly it hasn't. I thougt this entire group looked bad against Uruguay and were basically outclassed. I want a new coach to take a critical look at this group and others we can use as we have lots of young talent here.
- Adams has basically been injured since the WC and has barely been on the pitch. Even so I think he is the best of that group. He does seem like a good defensive midfielder but I am really interested in watching Johnny and Tessmann as they seem to be improving and getting good playing time at Club level. Though Tessmann's team just got promoted so will be interested to see what he is like at the top league
- Wes Mckennie - He had a downright bad tournament. I think his work ethic is poor. His stint at Leeds a year ago was a disaster and not sure he is really fitting in at Juventus. I think his quotes of "comfort" with Berhalter are emblematic of his issues. He found a nice safe spot and hasn't improved for our team as a result.
- Musah - His first touch is bad and hasn't seemed to improve. He is very young but still doesn't seem like he has found a right fit/role at club level.
- Tillman - I want to see more of him. I honestly haven't watched him at PSV but reports have been stellar and want to see what he can do. Very young.

Defense
- RB and LB - Jedi and Dest are a true team strength. Scally is a good backup and good defensively so seems like a good fit with the two ahead of them. Honestly I feel our team is most settled here.
- CB is a real concern. Ream has been great in the past especially the last WC but he is slowing down fast. Still our best distributor but we need a replacement for him soon. Carter Vickers doesn't seems like a solution for Ream and was bad against Panama. Not sure who else we can fit in looking at our player pool.
- Richards is good on defense . His distribution against Bolivia was awful. He did seem better in other two games. He seems to really found a fit at Crystal Palace and should be getting significant playing time in Premier league next year as I doubt Crystal Palace retains Guehi.

 

[El Floppo]

I was thinking about Tillman too.

But he's basically Gio for PSV and not asked to do much defensive work. That said, he's got nice physicality as a 10 that works defensively when needed.

Musah... Man. He's like Velcro one game, and then Zardoz the next. I mentioned it, but he's young enough that he really needs game time to germinate and flatten out all the rough spots.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Musah is a fascinating tweener.

He is a dribble first, pass second type of player.

Those players are valuable but they are almost always offensive based player (typically wingers), but poor Musah has not yet been able to crack being effective in the final 3rd. I know both GGG and Milan want to see him evolve into a DM, but his dribble first instinct is too risky on that side of the field.

I don't know where this all shakes out but I am VERY willing to give him as much time as needed because there is no one on the team that can do his power runs through the mid field.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Of the 6 Concacaf teams in the Copa, the US only finished with a better record than Jamaica, who were missing key players. The US even finished behind an extremely inexperienced and young Costa Rica side.

 

[NewlyRetired]

x.com

x.com

 

[Sammy3469]

Musah is a fascinating tweener.

He is a dribble first, pass second type of player.

Those players are valuable but they are almost always offensive based player (typically wingers), but poor Musah has not yet been able to crack being effective in the final 3rd. I know both GGG and Milan want to see him evolve into a DM, but his dribble first instinct is too risky on that side of the field.

I don't know where this all shakes out but I am VERY willing to give him as much time as needed because there is no one on the team that can do his power runs through the mid field.

This isn't directed at Musah directly, but I do think whoever is the coach has to end the days of the 4-3-3. Almost all the national teams (and even France's 4-3-3 is a pseudo one with Kante as an "outside" 3) these days play some sort of a double pivot for cover and to clog the middle (giving up a goal in a short tourney is much worse than a long season) and are willing to cede that coverage for an attacker. I don't know if Musah can be the second pivot, but I do think the first thing any USMNT manager has to do is figure out bones of the defense especially since our CBs seem to be lacking.

International soccer has progressively gotten more and more cynical over the past 5 years or so.

 

[Redwes25]

Musah is a fascinating tweener.

He is a dribble first, pass second type of player.

Those players are valuable but they are almost always offensive based player (typically wingers), but poor Musah has not yet been able to crack being effective in the final 3rd. I know both GGG and Milan want to see him evolve into a DM, but his dribble first instinct is too risky on that side of the field.

I don't know where this all shakes out but I am VERY willing to give him as much time as needed because there is no one on the team that can do his power runs through the mid field.

This isn't directed at Musah directly, but I do think whoever is the coach has to end the days of the 4-3-3. Almost all the national teams (and even France's 4-3-3 is a pseudo one with Kante as an "outside" 3) these days play some sort of a double pivot for cover and to clog the middle (giving up a goal in a short tourney is much worse than a long season) and are willing to cede that coverage for an attacker. I don't know if Musah can be the second pivot, but I do think the first thing any USMNT manager has to do is figure out bones of the defense especially since our CBs seem to be lacking.

International soccer has progressively gotten more and more cynical over the past 5 years or so.

I agree completely. 4-3-3 is supposed to be generating chances and we just don’t. We need someone to take a critical look at our players and try to implement a system that fits them well. While I am a fan I would love a coach that figures out how to get more out of strengths (outside backs).

 

[The Z Machine]

Musah is a fascinating tweener.

He is a dribble first, pass second type of player.

Those players are valuable but they are almost always offensive based player (typically wingers), but poor Musah has not yet been able to crack being effective in the final 3rd. I know both GGG and Milan want to see him evolve into a DM, but his dribble first instinct is too risky on that side of the field.

I don't know where this all shakes out but I am VERY willing to give him as much time as needed because there is no one on the team that can do his power runs through the mid field.

This isn't directed at Musah directly, but I do think whoever is the coach has to end the days of the 4-3-3. Almost all the national teams (and even France's 4-3-3 is a pseudo one with Kante as an "outside" 3) these days play some sort of a double pivot for cover and to clog the middle (giving up a goal in a short tourney is much worse than a long season) and are willing to cede that coverage for an attacker. I don't know if Musah can be the second pivot, but I do think the first thing any USMNT manager has to do is figure out bones of the defense especially since our CBs seem to be lacking.

International soccer has progressively gotten more and more cynical over the past 5 years or so.

I agree completely. 4-3-3 is supposed to be generating chances and we just don’t. We need someone to take a critical look at our players and try to implement a system that fits them well. While I am a fan I would love a coach that figures out how to get more out of strengths (outside backs).

Seems pretty obvious that a 3 man back line with wing backs would fit the bill but I fear that means more of the same flow down the wings, cross into the box stuff that starves the #9.

 

[Sammy3469]

Musah is a fascinating tweener.

He is a dribble first, pass second type of player.

Those players are valuable but they are almost always offensive based player (typically wingers), but poor Musah has not yet been able to crack being effective in the final 3rd. I know both GGG and Milan want to see him evolve into a DM, but his dribble first instinct is too risky on that side of the field.

I don't know where this all shakes out but I am VERY willing to give him as much time as needed because there is no one on the team that can do his power runs through the mid field.

This isn't directed at Musah directly, but I do think whoever is the coach has to end the days of the 4-3-3. Almost all the national teams (and even France's 4-3-3 is a pseudo one with Kante as an "outside" 3) these days play some sort of a double pivot for cover and to clog the middle (giving up a goal in a short tourney is much worse than a long season) and are willing to cede that coverage for an attacker. I don't know if Musah can be the second pivot, but I do think the first thing any USMNT manager has to do is figure out bones of the defense especially since our CBs seem to be lacking.

International soccer has progressively gotten more and more cynical over the past 5 years or so.

I agree completely. 4-3-3 is supposed to be generating chances and we just don’t. We need someone to take a critical look at our players and try to implement a system that fits them well. While I am a fan I would love a coach that figures out how to get more out of strengths (outside backs).

Seems pretty obvious that a 3 man back line with wing backs would fit the bill but I fear that means more of the same flow down the wings, cross into the box stuff that starves the #9.

I think the fact of the matter is that most teams in international soccer have to do that these days since all but a handful of very skilled teams (Spain, France, etc) play the double pivot. You either attack up the middle quickly and directly or go around it with most of the go around success occurring if you can turn the defense with most teams being fairly inept going around the defense. Basically most teams are mimicking Leicester from 10 years ago and unless you have a team like Spain facing you, that block works defensively.

We've frankly been very naive for the past 6 years to think otherwise and while GGG's 4-3-3 may work against non-top 20 teams, top 20 teams end up finding that moment of weakness. It says something about GGG and our players that they don't recognize that. You get half a step wrong or fall asleep for half a second in our 4-3-3 and its a great scoring chance. That's not putting any of a players in a situation for success as no one is going to be perfect for 90 minutes in today's game. We seem to want to play a high variance game. It would be one thing if that game plan had a high upside, but unfortunately it only has a big fat losing tail.

And it says something about USSoccer's and its "analytics" that after 4 years of GGG and playing the 4-3-3, that those tactics were chosen again. I don't have much faith it'll change anytime soon since frankly the issues start with those running the organization.

 

[NewlyRetired]

One very alarming non tactical item is that if/when it becomes well known that the US can lose its focus once a game gets chippy all Latin and African teams are going to have a field day winding up US players.

This is an issue a new coach will have to deal with there is a high likelihood we get 1 or 2 of those teams in the group of WC2026.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh my. Starting to come out that GGG is sacked

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh my. Starting to come out that GGG is sacked

This is the guy who had the BJ to Nashville hire story weeks ago.


Travis
https://x.com/DaSoccerEnjoyer
@DaSoccerEnjoyer

Sources are indicating that Berhalter is officially gone…

 

[NewlyRetired]

 

[NewlyRetired]

It would be very US Soccer like to announce this on July 4th...

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hmm this is interesting. Sounds like the firm US Soccer hired to look for a new coach did not want GGG

======

Taylor Twellman

@TaylorTwellman

To clarify some information: Sportsology and USSF were in agreement for the Sporting Director position but not the head coach.

They did provide data points for the head coach which ended up being Gregg Berhalter. The payment was “a fraction of a million” according sources close to the process

 

[El Floppo]

 

[prefontaine]

So we hired a search firm to find a new coach, ignored their advice in this sham of a search, and the numnuts that cover US Soccer either didn't know or were too scared to write about it.

Seems about right.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

So we hired a search firm to find a new coach, ignored their advice in this sham of a search, and the numnuts that cover US Soccer either didn't know or were too scared to write about it.

Seems about right.

We hired the search firm to fill Crocker's role right? I think the search firm then provided data relevant to the coaching hire, but it was always the intention that whoever was hired in Crocker's position would select the coach. I think the reporting seems kind of confused on this. It sounds like they were told that the search firm did not recommend Gregg, but I don't think they recommended anyone for that position.

 

[TennesseeJed]

It would be very US Soccer like to announce this on July 4th...

"We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”

 

[TennesseeJed]

Let me just add, I have nothing personal against Berhalter, and think he is a decent man, and if he is getting sacked - I feel for him because that sucks.

But he is in over his head as USMNT coach, and while it’s not his fault US Soccer offered him the position again - a change needs to happen, and it needs to happen now.

 

[BeTheMatch]

The T-shirt was a bridge too far

 

[NewlyRetired]

Sounds like all the rumors (Klopp and GGG) are germinating from leeks from a big meeting US Soccer had today to determine the next steps.

All rumors though. We need to wait this out obviously.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I don't even care that I posted yesterday about why Klopp might not be a good fit for the US in 2026.

I WILL CAVORT AND FROLICK, BUST A MOVE, DANCE A JIG and MOONWALK if he's the next coach.

 

[Sammy3469]

I don't even care that I posted yesterday about why Klopp might not be a good fit for the US in 2026.

I WILL CAVORT AND FROLICK, BUST A MOVE, DANCE A JIG and MOONWALK if he's the next coach.

And I will frolick with you when he rolls out a 4-3-3

 

[Brunell4MVP]

We consistently suck on the international level. In the rare case the men get to WC top 16 it's mostly with 1-0 wins. Do we even have a player sniffing the top 100 players in the world. Our lower levels suck at development. FIFA can have us ranked 11th all they want. The teams behind us ... Morocco, Uruguay, Colombia, Japan, and Germany ... they all perform better at the international level. US women's soccer is heading the same direction. We were simply early to the game with a large population of empowered women. Other countries have jumped that bandwagon and we've made a quick drop to 5th in FIFA rankings, and are on track to drop out of the top 10 like the men. We can roll out coach after coach, and mid level premier league players all we want. Until we find a couple of top 30 in the world talents to build around we are no more than a pawn on the world level. We have plenty of money. It's not spent correctly or at young enough ages.

USSF needs a total re-build.

 

[El Floppo]

We consistently suck on the international level. In the rare case the men get to WC top 16 it's mostly with 1-0 wins. Do we even have a player sniffing the top 100 players in the world. Our lower levels suck at development. FIFA can have us ranked 11th all they want. The teams behind us ... Morocco, Uruguay, Colombia, Japan, and Germany ... they all perform better at the international level. US women's soccer is heading the same direction. We were simply early to the game with a large population of empowered women. Other countries have jumped that bandwagon and we've made a quick drop to 5th in FIFA rankings, and are on track to drop out of the top 10 like the men. We can roll out coach after coach, and mid level premier league players all we want. Until we find a couple of top 30 in the world talents to build around we are no more than a pawn on the world level. We have plenty of money. It's not spent correctly or at young enough ages.

USSF needs a total re-build.

See the comments about MLS academies only being 10 years old and MLS being less than 30 years old.

Now that the money is finally getting there and tools are in place to actually develop pros, talent will come. The LCD has risen a lot... But agreed, the jump from scrambling around at the 10th-35th spots like we do only changes when there's a team full of guys making differences at big clubs.. not 1 or 2 with the rest bit role players.