Here is a pretty interesting take on the interim label that is plaguing the head coach of the US MNT. I found the opinion kind of refreshing, even though I am one of the ones who is all for stripping the prefix from his name.
"Maybe it's time for the gallery - and that's all of us not named Sunil Gulati and Dan Flynn - to look past the obvious story-line and focus on what's not being addressed from that summer of misery we slogged through.
The lack of meaningful games played in Europe. The continual club vs. country issues with European call-ups and the relative benefits of staging games with MLS dominated rosters. The real size of the player pool and depth at individual positions. Establishing the National Team as the top of the pyramid and calling on players and at least MLS club coaches to think about overall tactics and an American style of soccer. Until then, any coaching selection is going to be interim, especially if the coach in question already has a contract. "
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"The lack of meaningful games played in Europe." - Does Mexico complain about this? I agree we need to be more competitive w/ the European teams, but it is not just a matter of setting up friendlies in Europe. "Meanigful"? Last time I checked, the only meaningful games we were able to participate in in Europe was the World Cup (Confed. Cup is not meaninful in my book).
"The continual club vs. country issues with European call-ups and the relative benefits of staging games with MLS dominated rosters." - A problem throughout the world. Club pays the salary, country is for pride. There will always be a struggle, get over it. Also, does England ever say they need an "all-EPL" roster? No, the argument is ridiculous. The real problem is the MLS schedule not aligning w/ FIFA.
"The real size of the player pool and depth at individual positions." - Again, a problem for most countries except Brazil. France had to beg Zidane to play in the WC since they had no replacement at midfield. Maybe a bad example, but I don't see England, a "traditional" world power with much depth.
"Establishing the National Team as the top of the pyramid and calling on players and at least MLS club coaches to think about overall tactics and an American style of soccer." - Should we do this over a conference call? I will bring the coffee. A "style of play" will be a bi-product of the players that are selected and thier backgrounds. US is a melting pot, or salad bowl really, and the style of play will be influenced by individuals. Also, top of the pyramid? Who pays these guys salaries?
"Until then, any coaching selection is going to be interim, especially if the coach in question already has a contract" - seeing that typical National Team coaches last 2 - 3 years, this is a pretty general statement. Aren't all coaches just filler for the next?
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