[USA UNDER-20 MEN] Jurgen Klinsmann
On the significance of the U-20 MNT qualifying for the FIFA U-20World Cup in Turkey:
“We’re all excited about the qualification for the Under-20 World Cup and it’s well deserved. I think we have a couple of individual talentscoming through the ranks there, altogether it was very positive. I’m very happy for Tab Ramos who is doing a tremendous job.
“The Under-20 World Cup is a huge growing experience for these players. Playingthere against all the other nations around the globe helps them, helps them develop, helps them to see if they’re still lacking some things and what’s the gap to other nations that may bebetter than we are. So it’s a big learning curve they’re going to take in Turkey.”
On what he looks for in U-20 players:
“Obviously, we look at the individual talent, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they connect with each other. There are a lot of elements we talk about afterward with Tab Ramos becausethey’re the future a couple years down the road. We want to see them in the men’s national team and we want to see them play professional soccer here in MLS or overseas, so thereforewe’re really pleased that they made the big step to Turkey.”
Here come the “how come he didn’t mention americans playing in and for Liga MX?” crowd………
Your damn right!! I think he knows the quality of the Mexican League though. The U20 best players play in Mexican league. Maybe he wants to see the rest play at least in MLS. As seen with a few of the German players on USA league, overseas isnt always better.
We currently have quite a few overseas players on men’s national seniors so we should have no problem qualifying, right?
Too bad the last champion and Argentina will be out this time around, so USA boys could learn and challenge themselves against the top two nations in soccer…
That’s true luis, they are proven so. Mexico is making good strides in last few years. Hopefully we can now see them get over that quarterfinal mountain at W.C. 2014. USA should be looking to send players to South America and Mexico for development. It is a more realistic opportunity for more USA players to make possible and should be easier to make relationships with at lower cost for Clubs. Dont you think?
When they finally realize they must leave the country, too late! They can fix within, and make it stronger and more challenged throughout American, however the system need to be changed primarily from 5 to 13 drastically!!!…
Would it be that hard to bring in Brazilian/Mexican coaches with great foot skills and create some excitement with fun training and Futslal, Futsal??