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Profiles in potential: Jürgen Klinsmann

by Josh

Recently, I listed eight potential coaches for the U.S. Men’s National Team (as determined by Grant Wahl). The following is the final post in a series of biographical sketches—cleverly entitled, “Profiles in potential“—focusing on each of these prospective managers.

jurgen.jpgThe eighth candidate is Jürgen Klinsmann.

Age: 42

Where he’s from: Germany

What he does now: Nothing

What he did then: Klinsmann began his professional playing career with Stuttgart in 1984. He later played at Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Sampdoria. Among his accomplishments as a club player: two UEFA Cups, a Bundesliga Championship, German Footballer of the Year (1988 and 1994), English Footballer of the Year (1995).

Klinsmann was capped 108 times with the German national team, tallying 47 goals. The Germans won the World Cup in 1990.

In 2003, at the age of 39, Klinsmann joined the Orange County Blue Stars of the U.S. PDL with the pseudonym “Jay Goppingen.” He scored five goals in eight games.

Klinsmann was named head coach of the German national team in July, 2004. He led the team to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup.

Absurdly unofficial odds that he will get the job: 2 to 1

6 comments

1 Soccer Dad { 10.11.06 at 8:17 am }

The Mexico offer adds a new wrinkle. I really hope US Soccer coughs up the money it takes to bring Kilnsmann here. I’m not expecting some magical transformation, but I think it may be time to let a non MLS coach take the reins for a while and shake thigns up. Who knows - 2007 will be an interesting year!

2 Josh { 10.11.06 at 8:38 am }

Neither am I convinced that Klinsmann is the savior. That said, I also think it would be a good idea to get someone in charge who brings a completely new perspective. Mostly, I’m just excited to get a new coach in there soon!

3 U.S. coaching announcment to be made soon at ThroughBall.com { 10.11.06 at 9:04 am }

[...] Jürgen Klinsmann (Profile) [...]

4 Mark { 10.11.06 at 10:12 am }

Those who do not believe shall be cut-off from the national team forever!

5 Klinsmann breaks silence; commits to nothing at ThroughBall.com { 10.26.06 at 8:58 pm }

[...] Jurgen Klinsmann told the Associated Press today that he has been having “informal” talks with Sunil Gulati and the U.S. Soccer Federation about coaching the U.S. Men’s National Team. We’ve had a couple of conversations. I’m evaluating everything that comes up. I’ll stay in touch with Sunil and see what it leads to. It’s a very casual and relaxed correspondence. [...]

6 Report: Klinsmann hired by U.S. Soccer at ThroughBall.com { 12.05.06 at 8:05 am }

[...] Jamie Trecker is reporting that Jurgen Klinsmann will be named the new coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team within the next two weeks. [...]

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