Ahead of the USA’s friendly with Poland on Saturday, Coach Bob Bradley‘s first game since his contract was renewed for four years, Jeff Carlislespoke at length to the U.S. boss on issues including his reaction to Juergen Klinsmann‘s statements that the German had been courted for the job. Carlisle asked Bradley if hewas “stung” by the Klinsmann situation:
“Over the years,” Bradley responded, “but especially the last four years where I’ve been in this job, it’s pretty clear how I choose to go aboutthings. I’m one that focuses on the job and the work and the team. Those things come first. I’ve never gotten caught up with much of what goes on around [outside the team] because it’s stuff that’sout of your control. In different situations, when different people make comments, it’s just been my way that I’m not getting into that. Part of that goes with the territory when you’re thenational team coach. It’s the way that I’ve handled things and I’m going to continue to handle them.”
On German-born and raised midfielder Jermaine Jones, who is expectedto make his debut on Saturday, Bradley said:
“As people know, Jermaine joined us for a few days in Amsterdam [in March]. I’ve certainly gotten to know him in the last few years. When hisinjury didn’t come around, ultimately he had his surgery [in the U.S.] and was even around Home Depot doing some of his rehab. So this is a first opportunity to bring him in. We discussed hissituation with regard to the Brazil game, but at that point, his season was just beginning with [his club team] Schalke. He actually hadn’t played a game in a long time, and since then, he’s notstarting every game. But he’s still clearly in the mix of things at Schalke, so we’re excited about having him in.”