Jurgen Klinsmann Replaces Bob Bradley as US Coach
Jurgen Klinsmann, in a move anticipated by many soccer fans, was named head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team on Friday.
The German native is the first foreign-born coach for the team since Bora Milutinovic in 1995. Klinsmann will be formally introduced at a news conference in New York on Monday.
"I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the U.S. men's national team," Klinsmann said in a statement.
He said he was thankful for the opportunity and cannot wait for the upcoming challenges.
“I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup," added Klinsmann.
U.S. soccer president Sunil Gulati said it was time to "make a change" upon firing Bob Bradley – and after years of flirting between the German coach and the American team, that change has been made.
Sunil expressed excitement about the new coach saying, "He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program. Jurgen has had success in many different areas of the game and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field."
Klinsmann’s coaching abilities will definitely be challenged as the team prepares for the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
However, they have a much closer showdown between chief U.S. regional rival, Mexico on August 10th at 8:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, Penn.