Jürgen Klinsmann on dropping Landon Donovan, USMNT mentality & MLS growth | Kickin' It | CBS Sports

World Cup winner and former USMNT head coach Jürgen Klinsmann joins Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey and Charlie Davies to reflect on his playing and managerial careers.
00:00: Monitoring Charlie after his accident, the good and bad of January camp, assessing young talent.
8:53: Decision to take the U.S. job, the challenges facing American soccer, 2014 World Cup what ifs.
17:56: The rationale for leaving Landon Donovan off the World Cup roster.
26:08: USMNT’s level of belief needs to match the talent, MLS better than before, feeling empowered by Franz Beckenbauer.
32:56: The unexpected path to becoming a coach, learning not to hold grudges, instant respect from players, legendary figures Beckenbauer and Maradona.
42:15: Clint’s technique and character, the Spurs connection, owning the “diver” tag.
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Home of Serie A, NWSL, Concacaf Men's and Women's Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileirão Série A and UEFA men’s club competitions including the Europa League, Europa Conference League and... 🎶 THE CHAAAMPIONSSS 🎶

[@lukehertzler7870]

I had my Make-A-Wish experience in Miami for one of Jürgen‘s first games as coach. Besides being a great coach, he’s just an overall great guy and took care of me that weekend. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him.

[@soccerusa2026]

Klinsmanns' enthusiasm and passion for the game and growing the sport in the U.S. doesn't get talked about enough. As a fan since 1990, even during 94 WC there was never as much positivity surrounding a team as much as during his reign. Forever grateful he took the job with the U.S. Thank you Jurgen for your time with U.S Soccer. From the fans we appreciate your time with us.

[@Windhover551]

Klinsmann was a legend and i wished Donovan was there in the world cup, he may helped the team to beat the Belgian, but I don't blame Kinsman because donavan never really committed to the team, he left for Sabbath days when he needs to show up like everyone else to fight for minutes.

[@calben007]

I went to that 2014 World Cup match in Manaus. We should have won, they're right. I had never heard them talk about those games like this, I love this show so much.

[@brent1133]

bucket list is to see us play in a WC game on foreign soil

[@chlorophyllmorelikeboraphy6874]

Kate at the end of each interview: “Can I give you a hug?” Everyone: “yes, yes you can!” No joke- that’s really sweet of her.

[@adamolig3865]

she could give me a hug, if you know what I'm saying

[@NoCoastRaps]

​@@adamolig3865no

[@Stinkie_Cheese_Man]

I've been waiting for this one! Thank you for doing these!!!! :-) LOVE IT

[@Smouse168]

Me too!!!

[@bradmeyer13]

BANG! What a Guest to have on. Love it

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

The most accomplished guest in soccer so far

[@maxmaxie1328]

​@@tyronevaldez-kruger5313 Group of death survivor

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

@@maxmaxie1328 world cup 90 winner, euro cup 96 winner

[@josevaldez180]

Kickin' It, is the type of soccer content we need more of.

[@TS-cn9ow]

Never got the credit for the culture change he pushed in us soccer That encourages players to aim for Europe

[@hengineer]

That's not new tho

[@antoinedoinell]

culture change? lol look at that team since he left? what change did you see?

[@G10-n7f]

@@hengineer 🤔Kind of was at the time. At least to a larger degree.

[@G10-n7f]

@@antoinedoinell Well of course it was going to change it was Bruce Arena who took over and brought in even older players into the fold. A lot of those players were on their way out anyways the only player that carried over to the new generation was Pulisic.

[@colinreese]

Players were going to Europe before Klinsmann.

[@MxMnKC]

Another thing about Jurgen that doesn't get talked about is the way him and his team connected with the fans. I remember going to an open training session before one of the US World Cup qualifying matches in Kansas City and it was one of the coolest things I ever experienced. You get to interact with the players after training and get autographs including Jurgen signing my 1990 German World Cup jersey. When was the last time the USMNT had open train session like that? Despite the terrible losses early in 2018 WC qualifying firing him was a mistake and probably cost us that World Cup.

[@Itskevooo17]

Man you actually have to feel for Charlie. You can tell he doesn't let it consume him, but that accident affecting his football career is worse than anything else for him. If it happened after his career he probably would have been less affected by it. Can tell all we wanted was to be able to play at his best

[@adolchristin9837]

Of course he knows. He had time to think about it and I think he made peace with that. There is no mystery that his speed and finishing abilities gave him material to become a top rated forward in many big european club. Alas, that accident prevented him to become the player he should have been. But hey, that's what we call fate I guess. And still being alive is trully the only thing that matters.

[@fadikhoury93]

Totally feel for Charlie. All things considered, he deserves a lot of props for even getting back on the field after the accident. Especially his successful run the Revs. I definitely think he could’ve earned a January camp call up during his tenure with the Revs.

[@anthonythompson1677]

Im team Clint over Landon but still, Landon was miles ahead of most of the attackers we brought and he had just won mvp of the gold cup and scored in crucial qualifiers. He was the missing piece for that 2014 team.

[@frankietocean]

It was heartbreaking not seeing LD on that 2014 World Cup. Especially after all the amazing moments he gave us in 2010. I can’t help but think he would have given us more amazing moments in 2014.

[@juan1189]

@@frankietoceanI think is hard for a coach because sometimes if you stick with the same players you don’t allow for a generational change which is what I think hurt us in 2017

[@GreedyGrom]

It would have been nice for him to be on the roster, but I get why he left off of it. For as good as Donovan was, he was an underachiever with an underachieving attitude. Proof of that was when he said Pulisic should go to the MLS. That was a look into how Donovan thinks.

[@jorgewolff3753]

Was LD talented yes. But like JK said they had the team to go far. And they did with out him

[@OnceLer-f6p]

There is no way Landon was not going to make a positive impact. Donovan was playing at his best which made it more ridiculous to left him off. At the end of the day Klinsmann was salty about Landon taking a break BUT it is public now that he was going through some mental issues and needed to step back for his own sanity.

[@luvslogistics1725]

Clint was a boss. Klinsy was our best coach ever who transformed our game and team and opened gate to all the military brat halfbreeds. Poch is a great hire who in that same class will take us forward.

[@steevgillies8826]

It ended badly, but that first four years of Klinsmann is seriously underrated from US fans.

[@random_adlib]

pushed the culture of US soccer forward

[@antoinedoinell]

how? tell us what he did? give us evidence. please. dying to know.

[@eramos8916]

​@@antoinedoinellHelped players to get their chance to play in Europe like Clint Dempsey and had a great run at the 2014 World Cup. Berhalter really stagnated the National Team.

[@antoinedoinell]

@@eramos8916 Clint Dempsey signed for Fulham in 2007 joining Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra, Jurgen Klinsmann became manager of USMNT in 2011. Try again. Give me 1 smidgen of cultural influence from Klinsmann that exists in the US set up today.

[@SergioCheco25]

@@antoinedoinell A Gregg fan. You love to see insecure US fans.

[@SergioCheco25]

Also Jurgen won made a semi finals in 2016 Copa America has wins against big teams. He recruited players like Brooks, Johnson, Jones. Who were key players in the system. Something gregg never did in his tenure.

[@drewbranch7700]

Jurgen Klinsmann is part of the reason why I fell in love with soccer/ fútbol . 🇺🇸 ⚽️ 🇩🇪 ❤

[@picodegallo1959]

This man was wonderful. For myself, he was the 1st USMNT head coach who really started the push to Pochetino. He was the 1st coach to get into the heads of so many people that not only were we playing tournaments, but that we belonged. No offense to so many wonderful coaches that we've had, but Klinsmann was a massive coach of significance for USMNT.

[@fadikhoury93]

Regarding LD, I’m of the opinion that, when motivated, he would’ve offered more than the players taken ahead of him like Johansson, Zusi, Davis (LD went on to have one of his best MLS seasons after that). I think the sabbatical was not huge factor because LD showed up big time in the 2013 Gold Cup and scored/assisted in the 2-0 WCQ game vs Mexico that punched our ticket to Brazil. To be FAIR to Juergen however… coming into WC training camp LD was way out of form and certainly looked heavier than he usually looked. That’s why I can totally understand Jurgen’s decision to leave LD off the roster. In the end of the day LD didn’t put himself in the best position heading into that WC camp (I even remember some of his interviews during that camp where he didn’t sound motivated or confident in his abilities). He made his bed and Jurgen made him sleep in it. I still think there was an element of personal dislike for LD that lead to Juergen leaving him off the roster but LD didn’t help his case.

[@svetcovladich9996]

Man, what great stories by Jurgen. Top class as he would say. He's done it all.

[@Log4nx24]

Hearing from Jurgen that we could’ve gone deeper in the tournament both in 2014 and in 2016 gives me hope for what we can achieve moving forward with this generation of current players

[@Raydensheraj]

Klinsmann was always a bit hard to deal with....BUT....he always gave everything as player. At Stuttgart....at Inter Milan....at FC Bayern München (breaking the UEFA Cup record at his time)....and even in Tottenham....they loved him because he was a World class Striker. As Coach he wasn't phenomenal....but he tried to modernize the places he worked for. He would be a great guy to run a Youth Academy of a big Team. He done a lot for the DFB and America.

[@MiltonTurcios24]

LD situation…I don’t buy it…It was a power play. He made it about him. He wanted to make headlines. Clint didn’t have this energy in front of Landon either…

[@IamRami]

Right - Clint also wanted to be in the spotlight that LD had

[@fadikhoury93]

Agreed Deuce comes off as two-faced here. In front of LD, he was sympathetic and stated that he would’ve been a difference-maker on that ‘14 team. Then in front of JK, he totally walked those statements back. Like bruh… Jurgen ain’t your coach anymore 😒

[@drewbranch7700]

Would most international coaches included him in their roster after what he did;I don’t think so and that’s where we are at with our coddling our players in the U.S.

[@Theneckofthrogs]

I wish they'd show this on CBS during the day. Can't imagine how many people would appreciate this that probably don't even know it exists!

[@dirks6550]

Good interview. Interesting perspective, especially since we are coming into working with another foreign coach in Poch. Hope our current USMNT team can now step up to the next level, and believe they can do something amazing and have fun doing it!

[@yippy210]

No South Korea questions lol?

[@user-kb5py3hm2e]

Didn't ask him about his racist remarks against Iran, too 🤔

[@chrisdavis4606]

Don't ask him about literally any other coaching position or front office position for that matter. He's really bad at both.

[@joebirdwelljr629]

Not only a great player, but a class individual as well. I have the utmost love and respect for Jurgen...

[@fletch557]

I’ve always wondered why Kyle Beckerman didn’t start against Belgium in 2014. He was so solid during the tournament. Tim Howard would never have been forced to make 16 saves if Kyle had started… what was the thinking behind benching him? Thanks for a great interview!

[@josephcordero7057]

Jurgen made a professional decision? then why did his son mock LD getting dropped????? someone ask him.

[@manolo99nyc]

Yeah it was personal. Landon didn’t like US soccer being looked down on

[@fadikhoury93]

For sure a personal dislike for LD factored into that decision. A part of me wishes LD would’ve tried to at least stick around for the 2018 cycle and come off the bench with deuce.

[@chamberlainwonder369]

Klimsmam was big in the game and he install that mentality into some USMT players that time, US has a good squad so like other countries too, in fact, the competition was high as of then not now

[@Californiaexpat]

Donovan took a year off and then just wanted his spot back and on top of that showed up to the World Cup camp with a McKennie belly… it’s on him

[@arthurtrommel1438]

Klinsmann ans Inzaghi had always the most emotional goal celebrations.

[@chrisvalleqatsi]

I think US Soccer wasn't good enough for JK - Deuce's comment about him being able to demonstrate techniqe and tactics is HUGE. There's no one - NO ONE in USSF who has been anywhere near the experiences Klinsmann has, and his setting high standards and just plain being better wasn't going to be very comfortable for a system that had given us Steve Samson and Bruce Arena, who barely kicked a ball in anger. I hope that Poch can do the same, but with players who have had a more similar background in terms of coaching resources, team culture, and core psychology.

[@Chudsic]

Bruce is still the only manager to get US to the quarterfinals and with "inferior" talent

[@olephill2]

Revisionist history about Landon Donovan in this interview. Donovan took his sabbatical from Jan-March 2013, was recalled to the national team with our B-team for the 2013 Gold Cup, which he dominated (winning the Golden Ball & leading us to a trophy). Klinsmann then brought him back to the A-team for the duration of WCQ, starting our next 3 Hex matches as we clinched a WC berth. So, Donovan was already back with our A-team starting official matches nearly a year before the World Cup, and playing well in MLS (10 goals and 9 assists in 22 matches in 2013). It's delusional to me that anyone could think Brad Davis or Julian Green were better than LD, but let's put that to the side. Does anyone actually think Bedoya or Zusi were better than 32-year old LD? Winger was our weakest position on that WC squad; Bedoya worked really hard and was a solid defensive winger, but offered zero goal threat. Zusi offered great service and had 2 assists in the tournament, but both were pretty average players overall at the international level. They would not have started on any prior USMNT WC squad dating back to 1994. It's bananas revisionist history to me to think that these guys were superior players than Donovan, even in 2014. When people talk about how LD could've "helped us off the bench" in the 2014 squad, I don't get it. He was still a top-5 player in our entire pool and should have been a lock starter on the A-team, even if he wasn't a 90-minute player every match by then. The only guys who were superior players to Donovan at that stage were Dempsey, Howard, Bradley, Jones, and maybe Fabian Johnson. Donovan was still a cut above Bedoya and Zusi and should have had his name written in pen at winger on the starting line-up of that squad.

[@IamRami]

All Facts - watching this just makes me angry all over again

[@matthew8389]

@@olephill2 Donovan unfortunately was his own worst enemy. His attitude is what got in his way.

[@tripperdelaluna1]

12:44 We are still benefiting from this today. I hope Pochetinno has the same effect.

[@CG68810]

Every time I see the long shot of them sitting on the couch, it looks like the painting "The Last Supper".

[@TikkaMasala-tx3us]

The current S.Korean football fed. president is facing public shaming and sacking for hiring Klinsmann via casual chat in passing. That's how bad he performed as a "manager".

[@Chudsic]

A lot of revisionist history in the comments. Klinsmann era was rotten

[@Scottydontbutscottydoes]

I understand his position about Landon but there’s no universe in which Brad Davis should be on a team and Landon is left home 😶

[@fadikhoury93]

The Brad Davis over LD at Left Mid was WILD. Idk why JK insisted on playing LD as a striker… clearly he was a better Left Mid during the later stages of his career.

[@Scottydontbutscottydoes]

@@fadikhoury93 diskerud shouldn’t have been there either . 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@luvslogistics1725]

Not taking Landon is exactly what any and every good coach would have done at that time. The guy was unsure about playing anymore, taking a sabbatical…well hey guess what, there’s other players that put in the work, that were there. It was Landon’s selfishness. Dempsey was a leading goal scorer in the Premier League with Fulham. There’s many other players that were better.

[@starwarssatan5588]

He came back and played well with usmnt after the sabbatical. Why let hom back at all like jurgen did?

[@luvslogistics1725]

@@starwarssatan5588 he had to give him a chance and you’re right, Landon could have provided clutch play in moments but the sabbatical was the most anti-Klinsy thing ever. The guy advocated for playing all the time and challenging against top competition.

[@chrisdavis4606]

Ridiculous nonsense.

[@TheDjcarter1966]

Don't kid yourself, Landon no doubt was easily top five of that group...he was one of the best we ever had period. Listen to what he said it was never about talent.

[@luvslogistics1725]

@@chrisdavis4606 jurgen is still the best coach we’ve had

[@dmoney668]

When he says he got angry he was absolutely spot on That's still a problem here. When you talk about let's just go out there and compete everyone and I believe that we will win it's a culture that permeates. They should go out and dominate every game enough of this underdog week nonsense. Dempsey and Davies and that whole team had a heart They weren't trying to go out there and tie or just make it starts from the top down and this is a great interview Thank you

[@AKDeh]

In national soccer, success is built on both talent and patriotism, but the former seems to be lacking. Coaches come to the U.S. and mislead us into believing that we have the talent to compete at the highest level. Yet, since 1933, no U.S. player has ever made it into the top 5 teams in the world. It's time to acknowledge this reality and focus on real development if we are to compete on the global stage.

[@antoinedoinell]

we need to get rid of pay to play, make it accessible, invest in academies.

[@davidg4408]

@@antoinedoinell let's be honest, that'll never happen here in this country where football is not the number 1 sport. It's always going to be set up that way, pay to play.

[@antoinedoinell]

@@davidg4408 exactly, and that's why we'll always meander in mediocrity.

[@allanhernandez1876]

This is a corporate mentality ran country unfortunately

[@GreedyGrom]

It would have been nice for Donovan to be on the roster, but I get why he left off of it. For as good as Donovan was, he was an underachiever with an underachieving attitude. Proof of that was when he said Pulisic should go to the MLS. That was a look into how he thinks. His personality drives me nuts. Such a gooey, watery personality, in my opinion. He also supported the Mexican national team, which made me like him even less.

[@TheDjcarter1966]

Tell me you have no clue without telling me...Donovan an underachiever? He and Clint were the best field players the US ever had until this generation.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

Donovan was about growing the game here in the States. That's why he went to MLS. Not because of what it was but because of what it could be and look how it's grown since his days playing for it. Another 20 years from now it'll probably surpass MLB in popularity and revenue.

[@Chudsic]

@@TheDjcarter1966 correct

[@fadikhoury93]

LD chose a situation that worked best for him. Some people do best when they’re close to friends and family. Seems like LD was one of those people and there’s nothing wrong with that. Deuce for sure had a more successful club career but as far as USMNT performance, LD balled out. I would argue LD was a bigger difference maker at the ‘10 WC than Deuce was at the ‘14 WC. Jermaine Jones was our difference maker in ‘14. Right now, I still have LD as our best ever (just edging Deuce) and, based on recent performances, LD is still projected to have a more successful USMNT career than Pulisic (until proven otherwise - I am rooting for Pulisic to be our best ever).

[@TrainerAQ]

2013 USMNT was the best I had ever seen in my life! And I personally thought Klinsmann was an amazing coach, but when he left Landon Donovan behind for WC2014, I looked at him and said... that's F''' up. To end his career like that I completely understand why Donovan then when to win MLS Cup with Galaxy! I would be so pissed I would destroy any opponent that comes at me after that!

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

Exactly...well said fam! 💯💯💯👏👏👏

[@GunnerstahlY]

Top episode!

[@billsteezie641]

How do you get one of them sweatshirts deuce is wearing?

[@bradlymontgomery6811]

Whoa bold move, I love it! I wasn’t around much for his era but know he’s a controversial figure. I can’t wait to listen

[@yoyoitsme]

Great to see the legend getting the credit he deserves.

[@gavinshippen]

Donovan was 32 years old. Other 32 year olds today: Mo Salah, Neymar, Son (who he praised in the video), Alisson, Mane, Alaba. 33 Year Olds: De Bruyne, Van Dijk, James Rodriguez… Jody Altidore was our only forward who could score. When he pulled his hamstring in Game 1, that was the end of any chance we had. I don’t care if Donovan was out of form. The amount of experience he could have brought to the team was worth having him on the 23 man roster. Most Assists for USA all time = Donovan. Most Goals for USA all time = Donovan. There is no excuse. Admit you were wrong on this one. And win support from tens of thousands more American Soccer fans. You did so much for soccer in the US. But you go out with your nations best. Period. You can’t bring Beasley at 32 and leave Donovan at 32. All that being said.. he is right about the mentality of the Americans. We are stuck in mediocracy due to 1 thing. Belief. I like Pochettino coming out saying “we are here to win the World Cup.” It’s about time.

[@matthew8389]

Donovan is not in the same camp as those others. Sorry.

[@gavinshippen]

@@matthew8389 We don't have to rate him against the best of Egypt, or Senegal, or South Korea, or Brazil, or Belguim, or Colombia, or Netherlands.. We rate him against the best of USA.

[@StefanoPolo]

Didn't Tim Howard just recently came out and said that during JK tenure, he soley focused on 'Team Bonding' and 'Patiotism' while doing 0 to little effort on the mechanics of the game itself? I mean what happened to South Korea? The answer to LD not being selected is a joke. He ABSOLUTELY did not select him as a power move. He wanted to be the biggest voice on this team in Brazil and bringing LD would have diminished that.

[@chrisdavis4606]

THANK YOU. I can't believe no one brought that up. But this is a puff piece so I'm not that surprised.

[@mmmmpzevil]

Without this dude, the US wouldn’t be what is today with players pushing themselves in Europe. We need Klinsmann for Mexico

[@chrisdavis4606]

There were players already in Europe. Klinsmann is a terrible coach.

[@SwatBeatsOfficial]

He changed the game in the U.S. forever. Thanks, Jurgen!

[@chadmcclelland5668]

Klinsmans’ stamp on the American game is underserved. He definitely ‘grew’ the game for us…the ‘dive’ story was 😎!Americans 🇺🇸 appreciate you!

[@1donjuego]

What a liar. 6 months before dropping Donovan he started Donovan in the most important game in qualifying against Mexico. Clearly, the year off was not meaningful. Just an excuse now. Platitudes. And no one on that show points out the mendacity and BS of that answer.

[@GreedyGrom]

@@astanco1574 Agreed Donovan was at the end of his career. Maybe he would have helped, but we are now seeing the consequences of players not having consequences. Klinsmann did what we are now saying Berhalter should have done.

[@starwarssatan5588]

​@@GreedyGromno. If thats the reason, he should have never took landon back. But he did

[@dmoney668]

Davies was so good. Dempsey phenomenal

[@bushmastersavimbi3379]

GOAT striker ! Only the likes of r9 Van Basten and a few others can be compared to the Golden bomber !

[@codystout3174]

I view Jurgen as the right guy at the right time in the wrong role. The American game was poised to really explode and we needed to fully embrace world football culture; I think Jurgen brought that perspective and that mentality and put a lot of great touch points in place; I think he would have been an excellent president of our federation changing the game from the grassroots instead of as the manager of the national team on game day.

[@jorgewolff3753]

In 2014 when he left off LD. The first thing I said was , I agree with the move. LD was not there Untill the last 2 games for team during the WC qualifiers. Because he retired. JK made the correct choice on that. Taking the guys that played. There butts off for this team. And u can see Clint was all in on his choice .

[@NJCheenz2388]

@@jorgewolff3753 also I saw a video segment on espn that showed the US team training and showed LD and he looked very out of shape. And that did it for me. You can't show up at camp with a big beer belly.

[@jorgewolff3753]

@@NJCheenz2388 correct.

[@moloko5]

Dempsey was a selfish player and that's why his teams always failed.

[@4TechNeTium3]

I have a lot of words about this man But then I can't type it unless getting banned

[@Chudsic]

lol yep

[@Zitolos]

Next us soccer president 😤😤

[@rvaldez1081]

Landon Donovan deserved not to get called up. However, we could’ve used him. He was one of the better players.

[@Jstoney127]

I always liked Klinsmann. He has had his ups and downs in this crazy game!

[@AKDeh]

if you look under the hood of Germany soccer, full of B& B. The 1982 World Cup match between West Germany and Algeria was a pivotal moment in football history, and German newspapers provided extensive coverage that ranged from immediate reactions to long-term analyses. The event underscored the unpredictability of sports and prompted significant discussions on team strategy, officiating standards, and the global landscape of football. If you were indeed referring to a different event in 1972 or another match between Germany and Algeria, please provide additional details, and I'd be happy to assist further!

[@officialdeanseda]

Wondo historically doesn’t get any blame for his miss. It was an egregious miss that would have won that game

[@antonios293]

On the contrary, he gets too much hate for that miss by "fans." It was a difficult chance to finish with the ball in the air and Courtois rushing towards him. People make it seem like he missed an open goal tap in.

[@officialdeanseda]

@@astanco1574 Trying is great. But 6 feet in front of the goal, he should be putting that away

[@GreedyGrom]

@@officialdeanseda Klinsmann said the offside flag was up. Not sure what VAR would have determined, though.

[@officialdeanseda]

@@antonios293 I appreciate your kindness. Even with those factors, at the very least, the ball needs to put on target and not over the bar and out of play

[@williamsnider9524]

@@GreedyGrom seeing as how VAR didn't arrive til 2016, that is sort of a moot point

[@ghanaboy20]

I’ve always said that US Soccer made a mistake letting Jurgen go We had our best years under him playing and beating some of the best teams in the world. He had a clear vision for not just the national team but growing soccer in America. Im happy we have Poch but I would like Jurgen back

[@lazylamont92]

I think our “best” years was under Arena. Quarters in ‘02, ranked as high as 4th, reached two WCs, won GCs.

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

​@@lazylamont92 Preach fam! 👏👏👏💯💯💯

[@chrisdavis4606]

HE IS A TERRIBLE COACH. Literally ask anyone in Germany, Korea etc. He is tactically inept, he makes no adjustments and no game plans.

[@Hugoboss8909]

Charlie was coming up after the accident he wasn't the same. It was a shame he brought a different style.

[@clintdempseyisgoat8829]

Definitely missed LD in 2014 no matter what JK says

[@G10-n7f]

Donovan admitted afterwards that he could only give about 20 minutes maybe less depending on the pace, intensity, etc.

[@DarvinLemus]

Not taking Landon was your biggest mistake. He could have changed the result of that World Cup! He should’ve been there

[@G10-n7f]

🧐No. Donovan admitted afterwards that he could only give about 20 minutes maybe less depending on the pace, intensity, etc.

[@GreedyGrom]

@@DarvinLemus Donovan is to blame for taking a year off and abandoning his teammates.

[@DarvinLemus]

@@GreedyGrom I don’t agree, when the player is not performing, they just don’t call him up, but when he is performing they should have the call even if he was retired

[@drewbranch7700]

And that is the problem with us,coddling our players,do you think international coaches would have included him in their roster? Please Pochettino crack the whip with these snobs as much as I love them. Ridiculous!!!

[@DarvinLemus]

@@drewbranch7700 for the USA Landon was what Messi is for Argentina, simply the best. You taking with you because he can make you win even just playing 15 mins

[@merycastro2608]

This guy was the catalyst for change . He urged players to aim high and play at the highest level levels . That is Europe. Don’t get me wrong, MLS is great start, but should not be the final destination. Great guess

[@DaddyFutbol]

THIS IS A HUGE!! THE MOST AMAZING EPISODE!!! HOLY WOW!!!

[@MrGVUnited]

RE: LD. Unfortunately, no one really cares who "deserved to go" based on work ethic. Landon was more talented rested than 90% of the team. Brad Davis was on the roster over LD...! Not right. Pick the BEST players, not always the hardest working..

[@moloko5]

It is Dempsey fault we didn't qualify in 2018.

[@MarkMusu92]

I hope poch brings a similar culture

[@nannersguyaners2745]

Could have gone deeper if Bradley hadn’t been dispossessed late in Portugal game to let them back in … I still haven’t forgiven him 😂

[@manolo99nyc]

Do people really think he invented the idea that playing in Europe is a good thing? Everyone knows that! But he belittled the MLS and put a bunch of German American guys on the roster, instead of giving players from here an opportunity. Some of those might have gone on to Europe (hi Clint Dempsey). That’s not how to develop a national program.

[@antoinedoinell]

Let's be real, history has proven this man to be a fraud in coaching/management. Just listening to him on ESPNFC, No insight on tactics, all boring cliches like "wanting it more, showing desire etc." All federation's and clubs would be wise to keep this man at a far distance from employment.

[@psychokim92]

@@antoinedoinell Amen bro

[@sudano9958]

Come on Charlie, kinda pathetic with that first question. You were a very good player and probably would have made a major impact on the national team but even you know your car crash was just devasting to your body and you just never came close to your former ability. It comes across as desperate and selfish. Ask him off camera, just not cool to confront him on camera. Of course you were on his radar (what ever that means) he looked at you and just knew it wasn't right. Just the facts man

[@miguelroblero2509]

The best coach we've had up until now. So glad y'all finally had him on the show.

[@abolacadernos7164]

Bruce Arena was better (first stint)

[@Chudsic]

@@abolacadernos7164 and with less talent, atleast for the most part

[@chrisgove4252]

I think leaving Donovan back makes zero sense by the logic he wasn't there the whole time. He was back for the 2013 Gold Cup, was the hero against Mexico to qualify and was on the ground with the team. Would've made a difference. Tim Chandler certainly wasn't available all the time, and Julien Green came out of nowhere. Scored a goal, sure, but to say Donovan wasn't around to build with the team doesn't ring true.

[@drewbranch7700]

That’s problem with our USMNT team,we love being coddled. Do you seriously think most international coaches would have allowed LD to be on the roster? No wonder we are laughing stock ie. A national team player takes a year off and then expects to be on the roster because they think they deserve it,in other countries you earn it!!!!

[@scottipippen6554]

He was a great striker, but really at times a odd character. With childish behavior once in a while. Not really a great coach, but most defineteley a great motivatior with empthy for his players. Still remember, what we all thought when he took over the German national team. And then, with the help of Jogi Löw as his tactician, he turned the German national team around, brought enthusasm before the 2006 world cup. That`s where the myth of him being a great coach started. Bayern was mistaken about it..and somehow the USMNT and South Korea too. But nice to hear and read in the comment section, that many remember him as a culture changer. Have respect for what he did. Can`t say that about the Bayern or Hertha front office or the supporters of both clubs. Klinsmann is football legend in Germany, no doubt. He helped us win in 1990 and 96`, won with Bayern the UEFA Cup. But as so many other great players, he could not live up to his playing level when turning into a coach. I enjoy him now a lot on ESPN FC though. Great takes, nice insight. Keep on doing what you du, Jürgen. All the best!

[@Jeremy_724]

The American perspective must change. Clint gets it because he played a long time in Europe. It’s cutthroat, if you’re in form you play otherwise you’re dropped. Landon can take sabbaticals in MLS … that wouldn’t fly in Europe.

[@shane9956]

I enjoyed Klinsmann play and he was the greatest USMNT coach, bad luck stopped him taking our team to next level.

[@nimbra2]

Jurgen was a great coach for the USMNT but leaving Landon home was a mistake

[@abolacadernos7164]

Belgium should’ve ran up a cricket score line! WTH are these deluded people talking about. If it wasn’t for Tim Howard it would’ve been a massacre.

[@drewbranch7700]

Shoulda coulda woulda….. I agree Tim Howard was stellar,but it was a close game bruh and that Wondo miss plus it was a bad mistake as I recall when one of our defenders thought trying to body check Romelu Lukaku was a good idea when he should of took him out the angle and contained him. They didn’t even come close to running the cricket score line;did you watch the freakin game?!👀😏😐🤣

[@OnceLer-f6p]

Charlie always manages to make about himself. First off the bat he ask “ Was I on the Radar?” 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@guyfurfaro9902]

No doubt it’s mostly mental, and this group hasn’t shown they are ready to take it.

[@LundgrensGhost]

Seems like a nice guy but he was tactically inept as a coach. See Phillip Lahm's comments. Also his Landon rationale is asinine. He was one of our best 11 at the time.

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

I will never forgive Jurgen for leaving Landon off the roster...Davis did nothing, Bedoya did nothing, Altidore did nothing, Aaronson did nothing, Bradley was awful...Green only saw the field for 15 minutes, he scored a goal sure but thats all...

[@starwarssatan5588]

Who is Aaronson?

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

@@starwarssatan5588 Dumb autocorrect, my bad...meant to say Aron Johanson

[@G10-n7f]

⁠@@salvadorgonzalez1409 Oh here’s another extremely infatuated obsessed person who can’t get over the Landon Donovan nonsense😩😒. The guy isn’t the first great player to be left off a national team roster leading up to a World Cup and he won’t be the last😐.

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

@G10-n7f Oh move on rookie...zero knowledge of the game... sorry steve...🤣🤡🤐🤫🫢🤣

[@G10-n7f]

@@salvadorgonzalez1409 😲Oh I didn’t know you had to have ball knowledge to understand something so stupidly simple😂but I guess for superbly un astute people like you it’s something that’s very much needed😂🤪😒.

[@thecastleofenlightenment2604]

Klinsman seems like a perfectly nice guy and i celebrated his hiring. However in retrospect I think he had a very negative effect on the usa National team. Im sure he's perfectly good coach but just wasn't the right fit for the USA.

[@Danigomez92]

Klinsmaan is so german and it's great lol

[@dennisfischer27]

He ruined Hertha Berlin.

[@mwccpark]

Amazing Player,. Shitty Trainer/Coach.

[@Warum.2439]

Great technical director

[@mwccpark]

@@Warum.2439 great bus driver and tour guide

[@RoyKeane-rm3ys]

@@Warum.2439 Facts.

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

EXACTLY...FACTS 💯💯💯

[@Party_Burger]

Julian green did not struggle

[@gurpartapbhatti7375]

fix the rug

[@frankhuyler3751]

leaving Donovam out was an ego-driven travesty

[@chrisdavis4606]

Absolutely one of the worst coaches we have ever had. Tactically inept, no game plans and no adjustments during the game. Dont believe me? Ask every club and National team he has ever coached fpr.

[@kylehicks9018]

Still can't admit he screwed up 2014 by leaving Landon at home. An MLS job is one of the few coaching jobs open to him that he'd expect, because he'd never take over a struggling small BL team. He shoulda been lobbying for the San Diego job. Perfect for him as coach and technical director

[@brent1133]

Landon showed up to get his money from Mexico in 2018

[@chuckchuck8643]

At least 8 players were not ahead of Landon, and how did Green solidify his spot? Diskerud? Aaron who was always injured? Pathetic motivator of a coach.

[@yanzehro1437]

@@chuckchuck8643 Green played well and scored in the WC when he got his chance, so he justified it. In any WC team there’s always a young promising player on the bench at the very least who’s there for the experience. If anything you shouted asking what Brad Davis was doing there

[@chuckchuck8643]

@@yanzehro1437 he did not play well. He did not deserve to be there. He hadn’t even played a professional minute yet.

[@yanzehro1437]

@@chuckchuck8643 I meant he played well in the WC when he got his chance, so he justified it by scoring against Belgium. Again I don’t see you having the same energy towards someone like Brad Davis who did nothing on the pitch during the WC.

[@salvadorgonzalez1409]

Bruh Jurgen is on crack..."Good game" against Belgium!? Dude is a joke...

[@G10-n7f]

Well looking at the whole scope of things. The USA should have gotten crushed but they didn’t. So in that sense it was a good game.

[@drewbranch7700]

Wow,really,did you watch them game? What was the score and how many chances we had when we could have scored? It was a good game unless you’ve got some repressed feelings about Klinsmann.

[@kimster9998]

48:00 charlie giving klinsi the awkward hug lol

[@kevinpena2159]

Landon was always mentally weak. What kind of professional footballer takes a year off.

[@DavidDustum-bn8qg]

Main problem in USA soccer are coaches and money. Not good coaches especially on youth level. In Europe children playing for free in USA you pay to play in community parks and schools which maintained from our tax money and donation it's ridiculous