German Coach Jurgen Klinsmann Resigns
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by user BigPPup
German soccer coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced on Tuesday his resignation as head coach of the German national team. This announcement comes on the heels of Klinsmann leading the German squad to a third place finish in this year’s World Cup. However, the announcement does not come as a surprise, as speculation of Klinsmann resignation from his post have been rapid since the second round of the Cup.
Jurgen Klinsmann was brought in to coach a German program that was in need of building two years ago. In that short time he was able to breathe new life into the stagnant team, and the results were born out with this years surprise performance in front of the home crowd.
What made him so successful where his recent predecessors had failed was his approach to the game. Taking over the German program at 39 years of age he was a youthful face and he would bring youthful players into the program. He went into the German development leagues to find the base for what would be his World Cup squad. What he came back with was a crop of young players who have earned exceptional international experience at a young age, and are already being called the favorites for the 2010 Cup. Young talents such as Philip Lahm and Lukas Podolski now have substantial international experience under their belts and they are not even 20 years old yet.
Another upgrade He brought to the German program was a faster open style of play, that the Germans were able to show glimpses of throughout the Cup. He had his players playing aggressive on offense pushing the ball down field, and trying to go over the top to find open attackers. This made the game more exciting and gave his team a chance to show off their newfound youth and athleticism on the wings and in the middle.
Finally Jurgen Klinsmann brought an “American approach” to the game of soccer off the field to the German program. He was very much in tune with the mental state of his players. He brought relaxation techniques and a looseness to his team. A drastic change from the usual rigidity we find in German sports.
Now the question is what will he do next? At 41 years old he still has plenty of years of coaching left in him. He is also currently the hottest manager in the world right now after leading his team deep into the Cup when many thought they would barely make it out of pool play.
The rumors are being circulated that he could make a return to the U.S. and take over the United States team. After a terrible showing by the U.S. squad it is apparent that changes need to be made the most obvious of which is the removal of Bruce Arena as head coach. Klinsmann’s name has been mentioned in several circles.
Personally I think he would be a great fit and perfect choice for the U.S. He has proven he knows how to win with young players who are on the cusp of becoming the world’s elite. The United States is full of players are at that level, and need the extra push and guidance to get them over the edge. A major problem with the U.S. team during the 06 Cup was the conservative play on offense and an apparent lack of enthusiasm or heart while playing. He enjoys a faster paced game so that will play into the favor of many of the American players. More importantly anyone who watched Klinsmann coach during a match saw how intense and into the matches he was. When a player looks onto the sideline and sees their coach jumping up and down screaming with emotions and joy and anger, it has to invigorate that player and give them a charge to push a little bit harder. At least it should excite them more than watching there manager lean back with his arms folded over his head.
So I say Jurgen Klinsmann you are welcome and we are ready for you take the U.S. team to the heights we thought were possible just a few months ago.
Date
Tue 07/11/06, 9:26 pm EST
