Currently holding a FIFA World Ranking of 14, the United States Men's National Soccer team is developing into an extremely sound international unit. Led by captain Tim Howard and long-time members Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, the USMNT will once again make an appearance in the World Cup after a brilliant qualifying round that saw them capture the top spot in the competitive CONCACAF Hexagonal. Beating out talented clubs in Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico to claim first honor, the United States will now begin preparation for what will surely be an exciting tournament, set to begin in June of 2014 in Brazil.
Recently claiming the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the fifth time in team history, this version of the US soccer team is undoubtedly one of the more talented bunches in recent time. While a big portion of the credit surely goes to the players gracing the pitch, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann deserves a bulk of the praise as well. After guiding the national team to its 10th World Cup tournament, the West Germany native and past German National coach is garnering much attention around the globe, with multiple teams reportedly interested in bringing the former striker on board.
According to multiple sources, the 49-year-old - who has also served as boss of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich - is being targeted by Barclays Premier League affiliate Tottenham along with the Swiss National team. The Spurs recently parted ways with head coach Andre Villas-Boas leaving the former Tottenham player as a candidate for the vacant position. Hired as United States coach in 2011 and recently handed a contract extension, Klinsmann night not be in any rush to take away from national duties and US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati told reporters recently that he is confident his head coach will not depart for other opportunities.
"We're not oblivious to the fact that Jurgen over the last two years has had an extraordinary run with the national team and that would bring a lot of interest from the outside," Gulati said. "On a specific level, none of those things were critical to us. The desire to make sure we had a long-term commitment from Jurgen, and he had one from us, was part of it, and market dynamic does dictate some of that. Sure, some of that matters, but not specifically the Switzerland or Tottenham issues, but generally a coach that has done very well, that has an international reputation, who speaks multiple languages would be sought after."
Shortly after signing the new deal - which runs through the 2018 World Cup while also handing him the role of team technical director - Klinsmann said that he felt very fortunate to be in the great situation with the USMNT and he's excited about his role as technical director so he can help keep a tight connection to the youth teams.
"I am very fortunate to continue the work we started more than two and half years ago," Klinsmann said. "It's exciting to see the progress we have made, and we continue to make improvements on all fronts. The role of technical director is a huge challenge and also a huge opportunity as we look to keep connecting the dots to the youth national teams, coaching education, the development academy and the grassroots efforts in this country. These are fascinating topics and I am excited work with so many talented people and hear fresh ideas. For sure it means more work, but also many more fulfilling opportunities."
Jurgen Klinsmann and the United States will open their World Cup slate with a Group G match against Ghana on June 16, 2014 before meeting with group members Portugal and Germany.
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