The United States national team looked unmotivated and badly outmatched by Costa Rica on Tuesday night in a back-breaking 4-0 loss, putting themselves into a tough position for World Cup qualifying. There’s a lot of bad feeling in the fan base right now, and it’s down to Jurgen Klinsmann to figure out where to go from here and try to send the right messages to both his players and the fans.
Jurgen Klinsmann takes responsibility for USMNT loss, but says he’s still the right man to lead the team
The pressure has never been higher on the USMNT manager after Tuesday’s loss to Costa Rica.
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Klinsmann: "I take responsibility and it is no problem. It is a learning experience for us."
— Juan G. Arango (@JuanG_Arango) November 16, 2016
This is the first time that Klinsmann has taken responsibility after a major defeat like this — a stark contrast to him placing blame directly on players such as Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, and John Brooks after the loss to Mexico on Friday. Of course, Klinsmann couldn’t help but say that his players “didn’t have the fight” to push back into the match after Costa Rica’s second goal, so maybe he hasn’t completely changed course.
Speculation is running rampant about Klinsmann’s future, but the German manager said he still thinks he’s the right man to lead the team through the rest of the Hex.
Klinsmann asked if he's the right man to lead the #usmnt going forward. "I think so," he said. #CRCvUSA
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) November 16, 2016
One has to wonder if the leaders of the USSF agree, though.
Earlier today, a longtime US contact told me USSF had lined up Arena in case of another loss. Didn't believe it at time, but now ... hmmm
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) November 16, 2016
US Soccer president Sunil Gulati on Jurgen Klinsmann's future as USA coach after Tuesday's 4-0 loss to Costa Rica. pic.twitter.com/opwIONGWTQ
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) November 16, 2016
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