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US Men's National Team (8 Viewers)

I don't think the players need to "hate" the coach - but they should have a healthy fear/respect that the coach will make changes if play on the field warrants it.
I think the players are the least of the problems. If the coach can't coach without the entirety of the fan base, media and "insiders" ****ting on his every single move after a loss (as is true with Berhalter) then it's going to be hard for anyone to be successful. Cherundolo isn't going to have any longer leash on that front IMO.
 
I don't think the players need to "hate" the coach - but they should have a healthy fear/respect that the coach will make changes if play on the field warrants it.
I think the players are the least of the problems. If the coach can't coach without the entirety of the fan base, media and "insiders" ****ting on his every single move after a loss (as is true with Berhalter) then it's going to be hard for anyone to be successful. Cherundolo isn't going to have any longer leash on that front IMO.

With our fan base, the following is going to be true:

1) Any American not named Matarazzo will be immediately be hated

2) Any coach of any nationality who coaches in MLS will immediately be hated

3) Fans will initially accept pretty much any one with a foreign name, who has coached in another country, even if they have not heard of him, but will remain cautious.

4) The only rope that will be given will be to a big name coach.
 
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I don't think the players need to "hate" the coach - but they should have a healthy fear/respect that the coach will make changes if play on the field warrants it.
I think the players are the least of the problems. If the coach can't coach without the entirety of the fan base, media and "insiders" ****ting on his every single move after a loss (as is true with Berhalter) then it's going to be hard for anyone to be successful. Cherundolo isn't going to have any longer leash on that front IMO.

I disagree about this.

I think the players have been a bit of the problem - players play, and coaches coach. Players should not be lobbying for a particular coach - so I see that as a red flag. I don't think Berhalter can coach his way out of a paper bag - but the players all love him. Why? And, to what benefit?

I also think the next manager gets the fan's backing - because there won't be time for anyone else before the WC. I don't know how the media will react, but soccer media in the US is pretty forgiving - I think the next manager gets a pass from the media also - until the WC.



But, that is why it is so important for US Soccer to get this right - there won't be a PR issue - so they just need to get the best soccer coach/manager for the national team, and let the chips fall where they may,
 
I do agree that anyone who is perceived as being part of the old boys network (or the old boys network agenda) is gonna catch some crap. And Cherundolo (fair or unfair) will probably be in that bucket.

Even if they hire an "outsider" the narrative will be that they had no other choice and just placated the fan base.

I do think there's a difference between nitpicking every "little" coaching decision and pointing out obvious "WTF was he thinking" nonsense.

Example......starting Jesus Ferreira in a world cup knockout game against The Netherlands....thinking that he would have a PRAYER of getting open and actually scoring a goal with VVD standing in his way was an absolute fireable offense. I'm cool with Greg being absolutely crucified for crap like that.
 
Giving this a little thought - I think Cherundolo could be an inspired choice - certainly for the next two years.

He has international pedigree - with his time at Hannover (and even managing youth teams in Germany). He has been the captain (and Mayor of Hannover) - that suggests a strong leadership component.

He has MLS experience.

He has USMNT experience.

His managerial resume is better than Berhallter's - before Berhalter took on the national team. And, while I accept that there was probably a gap in talent to what Cherundolo has at LA v. what Berhalter had at Columbus - a big part of managing the national team is managing egos and personalities - which tend to be stronger at better teams.
 
Giving this a little thought - I think Cherundolo could be an inspired choice - certainly for the next two years.

He has international pedigree - with his time at Hannover (and even managing youth teams in Germany). He has been the captain (and Mayor of Hannover) - that suggests a strong leadership component.

He has MLS experience.

He has USMNT experience.

His managerial resume is better than Berhallter's - before Berhalter took on the national team. And, while I accept that there was probably a gap in talent to what Cherundolo has at LA v. what Berhalter had at Columbus - a big part of managing the national team is managing egos and personalities - which tend to be stronger at better teams.

Not opposed to it, bout would prefer more international experience on the resume....somebody who can challenge our international players and is up to speed on international tactics since we are automatically qualified.
 
This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

Kind of a weird update to this comment. I was lounging outside, grilling and surfing USMNT stuff when I randomly stumbled on Crocker's LinkedIn and found this a few days ago and decided to post his bio because it was so funny. I just saw on Twitter that Crocker has taken his Linkedin down. Parlow-Cone and JT Batson's pages are still up. Its probably due to massive abuse following Wynalda's rumor, which as far as I know is still completely unconfirmed.
 
Another leak. It makes me feel a little better about Luna turning down being an alternate.

====

Tom Bogert
@tombogert


Sources: Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett has NOT made the United States Olympic roster.Bassett a crucial piece to Rapids success this season. 6g/1a. Among the league leaders in ground covered.

Cole Bassett was not called. The Rapids did not decline. They did not tell USSF one or the other(Mihailovic). Basset did decline the option to be an alternate -- like Diego Luna did -- because why leave your club when you're a starter just to be a training player?
 
I just don't see how USSF hasn't made a decision already. Just shows me that we have the wrong leadership at the top of the federation. If you're keeping GGG despite this failure, you say it immediately(see Brazil). If you're firing him, you do it immediately and let him move on and then you wouldn't have players on record begging for his return when you do make the move.

I feel like the whole idea of them "approaching Klopp" is that they want to know if there's any interest before they make their decision on GGG. Again, this shows a lack of leadership and I don't think it'd look good to Klopp's camp either.

I am ambivalent on Cherundolo. He has had some success in LA, albeit with a talented roster. He's not from the early 90s ACC group, which is a point in his favor IMO. He played in some really tense international games and also played overseas. I feel like his message could resonate with this current group quite well. All said, I'm willing to give him a chance and I'd certainly be happier to go forward with Steve, even if we fail, than to continue with Gregg.
 
Old friend Nips making some MLS After Dark "magic". I have seen some unique ways to draw a red but this is a riot.
Love this! I'm sure I've told this like 50x already, but Etcheverry used to have his own special way of getting space for a restart. If you were inside five yards he'd drill it at your nads. Typically the guy in the way got whacked, and a yellow on top of it.
 
I just don't see how USSF hasn't made a decision already. Just shows me that we have the wrong leadership at the top of the federation. If you're keeping GGG despite this failure, you say it immediately(see Brazil). If you're firing him, you do it immediately and let him move on and then you wouldn't have players on record begging for his return when you do make the move.

I feel like the whole idea of them "approaching Klopp" is that they want to know if there's any interest before they make their decision on GGG. Again, this shows a lack of leadership and I don't think it'd look good to Klopp's camp either.

I am ambivalent on Cherundolo. He has had some success in LA, albeit with a talented roster. He's not from the early 90s ACC group, which is a point in his favor IMO. He played in some really tense international games and also played overseas. I feel like his message could resonate with this current group quite well. All said, I'm willing to give him a chance and I'd certainly be happier to go forward with Steve, even if we fail, than to continue with Gregg.
He learned the pro game in Hannover... Playing and coaching.

One of my fave us players. And despite him cutting his teeth in the coaching world in Germany, I have no idea what kind of coach he is so no idea if its a good or bad idea bringing him in.
 
Wow. I assumed Neal would just be blocked from starting. They didn't even bring him. Unless LA just refused to release him, that's inexcusable.

Brian Gutierrez should sue the Fire for the way they completely stunted his career. I don't believe they've released him for a single tournament in the past 3 years
 
Wow. I assumed Neal would just be blocked from starting. They didn't even bring him. Unless LA just refused to release him, that's inexcusable.

Brian Gutierrez should sue the Fire for the way they completely stunted his career. I don't believe they've released him for a single tournament in the past 3 years
the 18 man roster is really constrictive. So many players seem to have missed out. I did not envy this coach as I am sure there were many teams who did decline and we will never know about some of them.
 
The French forwards in the Olympics are going to run rampant on the US.

They can start Olise, Mateta, and Lacazette.

Mateta and Lacazette are two of their over age players.
 
The French forwards in the Olympics are going to run rampant on the US.

They can start Olise, Mateta, and Lacazette.

Mateta and Lacazette are two of their over age players.
So not going to apply the "Deschamps depression" philosophy of just not letting the other team score.
I have no feel for how Henry will coach this side. He probably has some of the best talent at the Olympics at his disposal though.
 
ESPN's list of 16 possible head coaches for the US should they sack GGG

Klopp, Nancy, Wagner, Cherundolo, Curtin, Perez (Hugo), Javier Aguirre, Almeyda, Gallardo, Tab, Peckerman, Viera, Renard, Pochettino, Tuchel, Thomas Frank
 
The French forwards in the Olympics are going to run rampant on the US.

They can start Olise, Mateta, and Lacazette.

Mateta and Lacazette are two of their over age players.
So not going to apply the "Deschamps depression" philosophy of just not letting the other team score.
I have no feel for how Henry will coach this side. He probably has some of the best talent at the Olympics at his disposal though.
(Pointing at opposing goal)
Go that way, really fast. If someone gets in your way, TURN!
 
ESPN's list of 16 possible head coaches for the US should they sack GGG

Klopp, Nancy, Wagner, Cherundolo, Curtin, Perez (Hugo), Javier Aguirre, Almeyda, Gallardo, Tab, Peckerman, Viera, Renard, Pochettino, Tuchel, Thomas Frank
Hadn't thought of Perez... Is he still with ELS? Thought he did a great job with them- constantly punched past their weight class. Might do well with the dual nats south of the border too.
 
ESPN's list of 16 possible head coaches for the US should they sack GGG

Klopp, Nancy, Wagner, Cherundolo, Curtin, Perez (Hugo), Javier Aguirre, Almeyda, Gallardo, Tab, Peckerman, Viera, Renard, Pochettino, Tuchel, Thomas Frank
I get the sense that the senior leadership at US Soccer is not looking to take on that much work. SO much easier to bury their heads in the sand, and go with their buddy Berhalter.
 
ESPN's list of 16 possible head coaches for the US should they sack GGG

Klopp, Nancy, Wagner, Cherundolo, Curtin, Perez (Hugo), Javier Aguirre, Almeyda, Gallardo, Tab, Peckerman, Viera, Renard, Pochettino, Tuchel, Thomas Frank
Hadn't thought of Perez... Is he still with ELS? Thought he did a great job with them- constantly punched past their weight class. Might do well with the dual nats south of the border too.
No, lost his job last September. I don't think he is coaching any where right now.
 
ESPN's list of 16 possible head coaches for the US should they sack GGG

Klopp, Nancy, Wagner, Cherundolo, Curtin, Perez (Hugo), Javier Aguirre, Almeyda, Gallardo, Tab, Peckerman, Viera, Renard, Pochettino, Tuchel, Thomas Frank
Hadn't thought of Perez... Is he still with ELS? Thought he did a great job with them- constantly punched past their weight class. Might do well with the dual nats south of the border too.
I wonder if/how the fan base would accept him.

American but not really part of the old boys network.
American but not any affiliation with MLS
American but with a clear latin influence

It may cause a lot of confusion on whether they are suppose to hate or not... :)

His lack of any high level coaching would be a concern to some I am sure.
 
I’d be happy with any of those names, even someone like Curtin who is another version of Berhalter would be fine. That list kills the whole “be careful what you wish for” argument for keeping Berhalter. We have a lot of realistic names to pursue. Fire him now and then nail down the replacement. This is such a bonkers process it makes me question if it even matters who they hire because the overarching leadership is so bad.
 
I've completely accepted the strong likelihood of an announcement this week that the federation backs Berhalter through 2026.

If Gregg is fired, I'd like to see David Moyes on the list. He may look 80, but is actually just 61. Plays a disciplined, old-school, practical form of soccer and has no concern with aesthetics. For me, just what this team needs.
 
US Soccer poured so much time and pr into the Olympic team announcement today that even if they were ready to state the GGG decision, they were very likely to wait until the very least tomorrow.
 
Does Cherundolo have the pop to bench Reyna? Or McKennie? Or Dest? That seems like a litmus test to me. Not saying he should do that, but we need a coach who has the power to do that if that's what he thinks should happen. We need to put the best team on the field instead of playing fantasy soccer.

I'm skeptical Cherundolo is that guy/has that kind of respect (from the US soccer media, the fans, the powers that be, etc). Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out he's a hell of a coach.
The real question is what kind of blackmail the Reynas might have on him.
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
 
US Soccer poured so much time and pr into the Olympic team announcement today that even if they were ready to state the GGG decision, they were very likely to wait until the very least tomorrow.
Why? It's a second rate tournament composed of U23 players, and even then clubs aren't forced to release. It's like US Soccer doesn't understand the dynamics of the world game.
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
I wouldn't call that awkward, I call it near disasterous.
 
US Soccer poured so much time and pr into the Olympic team announcement today that even if they were ready to state the GGG decision, they were very likely to wait until the very least tomorrow.
Why? It's a second rate tournament composed of U23 players, and even then clubs aren't forced to release. It's like US Soccer doesn't understand the dynamics of the world game.
The why is that they likely don't want to step on the press tour some Olympic players and coaches are on right now. They opened the bell at NASDAQ, they were on one of the morning shows, Men In Blazers is having a big thing right now in NYC and online with them...it is endless.

If they announced the firing of Berhlater today, those players/coaches would be inundated with questions they should not have to answer and would completely take away from their moment (for some of these it will be their last moment or only moment in the spot light).

Yes US Soccer does not understand the dynamics of world soccer. They should have announced their decision last week. Seeing as they did not, not announcing today was the right call (this assumed they have even made a decision yet).

Maybe they will announce later in the day when the dog and pony shows are over.
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
I wouldn't call that awkward, I call it near disasterous.
I meant awkward in terms of what a new coach might think.
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
I wouldn't call that awkward, I call it near disasterous.
And could be a reason why no serious coaching candidate would take us seriously.


Turner would do well to come back to MLS - playing is more important than being on a "bigger" team. I think even Klinsmann would agree with that - he wanted players in Europe - but competing for minutes, not simply riding the pine. Its much harder for a keeper to get minutes - its either starting or nothing.

McKennie - needs a move - but I am not sure where he goes, Leeds loan probably soured most England clubs on him

Adams - I think he is still in a good spot - assuming he can stay healthy - I think he is a battler.

Reyna - another who is at a crossroads, enough talent - now needs to show the grit to fight for a spot and playing times.

Weah - less worried about him - I think if he is not in the plans he will get a move to a European club where he will play.

Dest - in a good situation now - just needs to rehab.

Ream - we should not have been relying on him for 2026 anyway.
 
Tom Bogert

@tombogert

Jovan Kirovski has officially started his role as Director of Sports Development at AC Milan.The American executive is leading Milan's second team, Milan Futuro, and overseeing the academy. Kirovski left the LA Galaxy this winter.
 
Chelsea reach agreement in principle with Atlanta United to sign Caleb Wiley. Fee for 19yo left-back ~£8.5m. 7yr deal. Set to be loan led to Strasbourg for regular first team football.
 
The obvious choice for the new USMNT Manager, if it should be open, would be Claudio Reyna.

Would completely rile up the fan base in an FU, you think you can do it better kind of way. And the Brother of Greg would love it!
 
I'd like to see David Moyes on the list. He may look 80, but is actually just 61. Plays a disciplined, old-school, practical form of soccer and has no concern with aesthetics. For me, just what this team needs.
+1

And he's coached Everton, Man United, Sunderland, and West Ham -- so he's used to mid-table sides and having to do more with less talent. The anti-Pep.
 
I'd like to see David Moyes on the list. He may look 80, but is actually just 61. Plays a disciplined, old-school, practical form of soccer and has no concern with aesthetics. For me, just what this team needs.
+1

And he's coached Everton, Man United, Sunderland, and West Ham -- so he's used to mid-table sides and having to do more with less talent. The anti-Pep.
At least he can't bring in the :fro: to help become a mid table team....
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
Honestly, think we were probably over rating all these players (except for Dest who is hurt and Ream which is an age issue).
 
We are in an awkward spot this summer.

*Turner has no place to play as Forest signed a new keeper
*Weston's future is up in the air. Juve signed a new midfielder today and they don't look interested in keeping Weston
*Can Adams stay healthy enough to lock down a spot for Bornmeout?
*Reyna's future at Dortmund looks non existent and I fear he won't make a good choice for his next stop
*Weah saw his playing time deminish last year and Juve's new coach has not mentioned him even once in multiple interviews talking about the Juve team and players
*Dest is still rehabbing
*It does not look like PSV has any intention of moving on from De Jong which leaves Pepi as a sub again
*Ream lost his spot at Fulham and with out a transfer he is unlikely to see much playing time
Honestly, think we were probably over rating all these players (except for Dest who is hurt and Ream which is an age issue).
it is a very fair observation.

Turner has already exceeded what any one rightly had a hope he would get to given how late he came to the sport. The real problem is not Turner, the real problem is where the **** are the rest of our top flight keepers in this generation?

Weah is a concern, because I am unsure how many more chances an offensive player can get when he won't produce at club level. Teams have tried him at wing back and full back but he does not appear to be adept enough at those spots to garner first choice starter minutes.

Reyna is befuddling. I can't give up on him because he is simply too critical. If we have to wait for Cavan to be the next Pulisic/Donovan level player, that is WAY too big an age gap. Reyna (and to a smaller extent Balogun), must pop in these next two years if we have any hopes of even winning a round of 32 knock out stage game.

I may be over rating Adams ability to stay healthy but I do not think any of us are over rating how good he is when he can actually play. He will never be Pirlo but he should always have a spot in any coaches team when healthy.

Whom ever can explain Weston, will be my hero. I watched a ton of Juventus games this year. I thought he was very very good. He played constantly, he produced both qualitatively and quantitatively, and yet he put on a performance at Copa that was simply god awful over the 3 games.
 
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This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.
He’s a change agent, Cletius.

Leave it US Soccer to hire the human embodiment of a PowerPoint crapped out by a 24-year-old McKinsey hire.
 
I've completely accepted the strong likelihood of an announcement this week that the federation backs Berhalter through 2026.

If Gregg is fired, I'd like to see David Moyes on the list. He may look 80, but is actually just 61. Plays a disciplined, old-school, practical form of soccer and has no concern with aesthetics. For me, just what this team needs.
This is Big Sam erasure.
 

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