Eh, I could stay, I could go.
It’s official, though not surprising: Bob Bradley will coach the USMNT vs. Brazil, and his future will be known soon thereafter.
The USSF confirmed that they will look at Huh Bob’s future after the Brazil match Aug. 10. Why does this warrant more than a Quick Throw? I’ve been on record as saying that I think the USSF will allow Captain Frowny to finish his contract, which ends Dec. 31. But there has been recent talk that seems to have thrown that belief into question.
First, there was the talk of Bradley going to Fulham to replace Roy Hodgson. Inconceivable.
Then, a certain Scotsman said Bradley would be great in a job in the EPL, specifically that Fulham gig. More inconceivable.
Of course, Death Stare didn’t get the Fulham gig, but he was close. More like it but almost inconceivable.
Now, the USSF has to decide whether to keep him for another two- or four-year cycle. Something I thought was inconceivable is suddenly a possibility.
To quote Inigo Montoya, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
That aside, one has to wonder if the grand plan to let Bradley go out on by saying, “great job, got us to the knockout phase, but it’s time to move on” will give way to “he’s wanted elsewhere, so we thought we should lock him up for the U.S.”
You can’t underestimate the ability of Sunil Gulati and U.S. Soccer to screw this up. I still think you let Bob finish his contract, then everybody saves face, everybody has held up their end of the bargain. No hard feelings.
The question remaining, of course, is who would replace Bradley, but that’s for another day … or for the comments.
All we know now is that we’ll know soon. You know? In the meantime, anybody want a peanut?
I’d like a new face. But if Bradley stays maybe he will learn from his mistakes. He surprised me sometimes in the WC for the right reasons, even though I will never forgive or forget Ricardo Clark in Ghana and why Buddle wasn’t given more of a shot. So if he’s gone, good if we get someone better than him. If he’s not, then I’ll accept it and get behind him. What I don’t want is for Bob to go and for us to get another MLS coach I’ve never heard of to be mad at the next 4 years.
It kind of makes more sense this way I think. If he really wants Europe, I think some of the Scandinavian leagues are probably the more likely place to start, and I believe most of them are in the middle of their seasons right now.
The key unknown in all of this — who can we get that’s better? I think we’d be surprised to find out that there aren’t that many top name coaches who want the job.
@Corky: I think Klinsmaan wants it. Or at least would gladly take it if offered to him.
Hope you lads don’t get your hearts broken by Jurgen. He seems happy enough where he is in life without the stress/criticism of running a national team. Though TSE was smart to point out his “job interview” monologue after the USMNT lost to Ghana, it’s worth noting that he pointed out so many problems that I’m not even sure he’d want to go in and fix them all. Would require a long-term deal, and an equally long leash.
That said, Sunil seems to be great at hiring guys and then letting them stay around forever.
@Josh. I know everyone assumes that, but will he really? He came close once and it didn’t happen. What makes us think Sunil will change now and give Jurgen the control he wants? Plus, from items I’ve read, the USSF doesn’t really have that much money. Klinsmann would be $2 million a year — Bradley is on $500,000. Nike would have to step up big time (which they very well could).
Nike paying for an adidas guy? i’ll believe it when i see it.
Guys, stop being logical! I want Klinsmaan!
I hear Maradona’s available…now that would be fun.
@OM – Oh my god. Yes please! That would be great. hahahahaha.
Bradley needs to be fired, and Jurgen Klinsmann should be named as the new USMNT.
Bob Bradley would attempt a land war in asia, he must go.
/Bride’d