Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid called the hiring of Juergen Klinsmann, “good for U.S. Soccer.” Klinsmann attended Los Angeles Galaxy practices when Schmid, aGerman-American, coached the Galaxy.
“I think what’s important about it is that they hired someone who’s been in America for a while,” said Schmid. “Juergen has been living in America …His son is involved in the U.S. club structure in youth soccer so he knows what that’s all about. Part of his coaching license he did by working with the Galaxy for three months when I was there.He’s been around the Galaxy and the pro game in MLS and the national team.
“Even though he is a highly known international soccer person, he’s also a person who has been around the blockin the US and he has an idea about what US Soccer is all about. I don’t think other guys would have that idea.”
“I know that Juergen is a guy that they’ve been talking to off and on overthe number of years right after Bruce Arena left [in 2006] and Juergen left Germany. I knew it was a possibility then. Obviously in the interim time, they’ve been able to work outwhatever issues or differences there were. Now we all have to support the new national team coach and see that our program continues to move forward.”