Commentary
How I referee Garber vs. Klinsmann
- by Paul Gardner , Oct 16, 2014
That MLS Commissioner Don Garber should be upset by Jurgen Klinsmann’s thoughtless and really rather peevish comments on Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey is understandable. By coming back to the USA to play in MLS, Dempsey and Bradley are -- according to Klinsmann -- lowering their standards. Because MLS is an inferior league.
Two things. First: Klinsmann is undoubtedly correct, MLS is not up to the level of the top European leagues. But as neither Dempsey nor Bradley was guaranteed first team playing time in Europe, why would they want, or feel obliged, to stay there? Second: Garber’s response seems to me over the top. He says he found Klinsmann’s remarks “personally infuriating” -- infuriating enough for him to call, at ultra-short notice, a telephone press conference in which he took aim at Klinsmann’s crass comments.
Mostly, during the conference, Garber mentioned the negative effect -- for MLS -- that Klinsmann’s comments could have on players -- not only Bradley and Dempsey, but also on young Americans considering a pro soccer career, and on foreign players thinking of joining MLS.
That is all very much to the point, and I entirely agree with Garber when, commenting on Klinsmann’s statement that coming to MLS will have a negative effect on the careers of Dempsey and Bradley, he says “I don’t know what could possibly have motivated him [Klinsmann] to say that.”
Possibly Garber really was “personally infuriated” -- but the idea of a hastily called press conference carries the suspicion that the idea came from Garber’s bosses, the MLS owners. I think Garber had enough ammunition to aim at Klinsmann if he simply stuck to criticizing Klinsmann for the strictly soccer aspects of his remarks. But Garber evidently decided that his criticism needed to be leavened by some praise. So he remarks that Klinsmann has “done a great job with the national team.” Garber should be required to explain that one.
But Garber -- who is, after all, a marketing guy -- had to go further. He felt it necessary, or maybe the owners did, to explain that Klinsmann’s comments “... negatively affect our ability to create the right relationships with corporate sponsors.”
This is a tricky area. That of free speech. If Klinsmann genuinely believes that MLS marks a big step down from European leagues, should he barred from saying that? Klinsmann says he is simply being honest. And that is a statement that it is difficult to contradict. The answer to the impasse, I suppose, would be that Klinsmann should have enough sense to impose some self-censorship and not make derogatory public statements about MLS.
But he clearly doesn’t know when to shut up. Only a few days ago I was complaining about his inopportune criticism of Landon Donovan. Now he’s into Bradley and Dempsey -- and by shooting off his mouth might well cause a rift between MLS and the USSF. U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, after all, must now decide whether to defend or to chastise Klinsmann.
Hidden in Garber’s comments was a veiled threat to Klinsmann. Garber said that “I insist that all of those people who are paid to work in this sport -- that they are allied ...” That there are no dissenting voices, in other words. And if someone does voice disagreement, what then? Well, if that someone is “paid to work in this sport,” then the implication is clear enough. He should resign. Or maybe “resign.”
(I feel it necessary to point out that mlssoccer.com, Garber’s official website, carries a story about this press conference. But this story does not include Garber’s reference to Klinsmann riling sponsors, nor to “people who are paid to work in this sport.”)
I’ve made my position on Klinsmann clear -- I think Gulati should ditch him. But for purely soccer reasons. Not because he’s upsetting sponsors. The idea of a cabal of MLS owners exerting pressure on Gulati to get rid of him does not sit at all well with me.
There is no doubt that Klinsmann has been spectacularly stupid. At the very least, Gulati must surely tell him that he has to apologize for his remarks.
That might calm things down for a while. But it won’t alter the fact that the USA has a national team coach whose repeated public statements make it clear that he has no faith in the value of this country’s pro league, and not much more in the players it produces.
I can see only one way to correct that anomaly.
What did klinsmann say that was wrong? Surely it is true that the M L S is a lower standard? The trouble with the media is that Klinsman treats them like Sir Alex.with the contempt that they deserve for the stupid things they say and write about Klinsmann's work with the U.S.national team .go to Europe and ask anyone what they think of the job he is doing with the U .S. National team.they think he is a magician for having them play to the standard which they are playing.
The U.S. Soccer media and Landon Donovan should be ashamed of their treatment of Klinsmann especially Donovan for his childish and vindictive behaviour toward Klinsmann..
Granted soccer is a young sport in the U. S. so maybe the media should bring in some european press men to do the soccer reporting.
Mr Donovan and Mr Gardner should go and sit back in a double baby stroller and suck on their comforters and leave the soccer to people who know something about the game.
Tommy Mcleod.
If anyone showed grace and integrity it has been Donovan, while Klinsdumbbum has time and again shown what a vindictive,
vengeful, and graceless jerk he truly is. Go back to your "Lebensborn" ancestors Klinsi Bimsi!!!!
If you want to raise the level of play with MLS, you need to start within, raising the youth level. As there have been improvements, other leagues being more willingly to look into the US as a player source, it is still a far way to get where we need to be. MLS needs to become the source for majority of US national players, but at a higher playing level.
If both, US Soccer and MLS can work on improving the youth soccer system, they both will benefit out of a better player pool. There is too much out there in the youth, not under one umbrella, but under way too many. ODP, NPL, DA, local Competitive, and rec, and who knows what.
And maybe, the MLS should not bash Klinsmann for his remarks, but rather use them to get motivated to improve things (but that may cost money, and does not bring revenue - in the short term).
"That might calm things down for a while. But it won’t alter the fact that the USA has a national team coach whose repeated public statements make it clear that he has no faith in the value of this country’s pro league, and not much more in the players it produces.
I can see only one way to correct that anomaly."
Gee, what a surprise.
The one thing you can say about Paul Gardner is that he's consistent.
I hope the federation is smarter than Paul. Replacing Klinsmann would be an idiotic move -- especially after a German World Cup win that happened do to some of the changes Klinsmann installed in their program.
So he doesn't like MSL, so what. If anybody thinks Bradley coming home was the smartest move for him or the National Team they're crazy. In his prime, Bradley SHOULD be playing for a Champions League team rather than in the MSL. The truth may hurt, but that's the truth and most soccer fans know it.
I agree that Klinsmann should go, and not for his comments but due to his poor performance as team USA coach. There is much work ahead of the next World Cup; the sooner he leaves (or gets let go) the better.
It's interesting that Klinsmann criticized Bradley and Dempsey for leaving Europe and coming to play in the MLS, but says nothing about Jermaine Jones doing the same? Is that because Jones is German and therefore, in Klinsmann's eyes, can do no wrong?
To Tommy Mcleod: Tommy, I was actually born and grew up in Europe, and I can tell you that there is not much regard there for Klinsmann as a coach. Not surprisingly he never had any offers anywhere in Europe outside Germany, and after his Bayern fiasco there wasn't even any interest in his native country. It's universally accepted in Europe that at best he might be a good motivator (might), but he's not much of a soccer brain, to put it mildly.
Paul has this absolutely, completely, undeniably correct!
"There is no doubt that Klinsmann has been spectacularly stupid."
Anyone want to bet Klinsman's contract has a no disparaging comments clause in it?
It's ironic to me how Klinsmann creates controversy each time US soccer community celebrates Donovan. Since the world cup, Klinsmann opened his mouth twice and in both time he created controversy. The first was after Donovan announced his retirement and the second one is now after Donovan played his last game with the national team. I can bet you the third controversy will be after Donovan plays his last game with the Galaxy.
What Klinsmann needs to understand is that current US players have limitation and can't assume regular starting position with a top European clubs. Bradley and Dempsey were sitting on the bench most of the time in Roma and Tottenham. They would benefit more of playing on a regular basis in MLS than sitting on bench on Champions league teams. Klinsi's dream of American players playing regularly in top European teams will be fulfilled by building better young players here that can compete over there. But he is just a national team coach who needs result now, not sometime in the future. he should deal with what he has right now. MLS and US soccer are the ones who are concerned about building better players for the future of soccer in this country. On top of that, Garber has a dream of making MLS one of the top league in the world in the next 10 years and his vision includes bringing big US stars back to American to help achieve this dream. It's a conflict between the "present" of Klinsmann and the "future" of Gerber.
And here is something I wrote yesterday in another post: "Reading between the lines, Don Garber has many reasons to be upset at klinsmann. 1- klinsi keeps putting MLS down publicly every time he opens his mouth and Garber as a commissioner has a duty to protect MLS's reputation. He is working hard on making MLS one of the best leagues in the world and he needs all those US stars back playing here. Klinsi's philosophy and comments don't go well with Garber's project. 2- Garber is still upset at Klinsi's leaving Donovan out of the WC team and there is a strong belief that this decision had led to Donovan's premature retirement from soccer and this is a massive loss for MLS. Garber knows it well but he waited until now to express his feeling. 3- Bradley's response to Klinsi's criticism suggest some friction is building up between some USMNT stars and Klinsi. Garber has to take the side of MLS players in this fight. 4- Garber is expressing the opinion of so many soccer fans and administrators and probably some players and coaches that Klinsmann is taking too much control over the sport in this country and it's time someone stand up and say no to him."
Welcome to America! Land of the free, brave, and free speech. This sort of controversy creeping into the national newspapers and ESPN is just what US pro soccer needs. It means it's becoming relevant, and not just every 4 years. JK's comments were accurate (no one mistakes MLS for top-level soccer yet) but boneheaded (dude, like it or not, the MLS is a major feeder to the MNT so why bite the hand?). DG's reaction was equally boneheaded (continuing to draw attention to the FACT that MLS isn't ready to compete with the top leagues, instead of hoping it just passes quickly). But hey, free speech baby, let the controversy roll on!
I don't see the controversy. JK's job is to build the strongest USMNT possible. Player's get stronger by competing at the highest levels. The US won't compete seriously for a World Cup or on a Global level if our best players compete against MLS players while other countries have their best talent competing in the BPL, La Liga, or Budesliga. These players not only have to compete on the field against top teams but they also have to compete every day for a spot in the starting 11. The MLS at this point is not an adequate feeder league to the USMNT. This on top of a College system that have players playing maybe 4 months out of the year. It hurts to be told the truth sometimes. Landon Donovan may be a Legend of US Soccer, but was he really ever a top 50 or 100 player globally. The guy left the sport for 8 months and outwardly said he couldn't train hard for 11 days. These are not players who you can build a winning National team around.
The issue here goes deeper than sponsorship or the feelings of MLS owners their relationships. JK's comments deteriorate the integrity, unity, and team morality of not just Donovan (if didn't retire), Dempsey, and Bradley, but of the entire team and American born soccer player. As an ex-athlete and team player, I would have no desire to play for a coach who publicly criticized my training origins and I am sure it has touched other team members as well. As a country, we must ask ourselves, do we want a coach that has no faith in our own players? As a U.S Soccer President, do you want a coach that isn't capable of predicting the ramifications of his stupidity? And most of all, as a MNT player will we every want to play as a team for this guy? Perhaps we as a nation should start publicly asking questions in why he came to America to coach, if he thinks that our players must play in Europe? US soccer might need a wake-up call, but derogatory comments of his own team members to prove a point definately does not need to come from the US MNT soccer coach who should be, at the very least, trying to build team morality and spirit. We need him to go!
Very very well said Mr. Guy Walling!
I wish I had the serenity of mind and judgement NOT to despise this joke of
a coach! He doesn't even come close to equalling the US-Team's records under Arena and Bradley(I NEVER read or heard
anything disparaging about their players from these two), and here comes this skinny, arrogant freak Klinsdumbbum, and shows off his negative mindset...Go home to your
"Lebensborn" cradle Klinsi Mimsi!
Do soccer players give up their right to earn the best living they can for their families? If , for this discussion, Bradley or Dempsey tear up a knee or worse suffer from concussive head trauma, and must give up playing, are Klinsy, Garber, Gardner or any of us, going to support their families in a manor that their million $ salaries allows them? If critics have a right to say what they want regardless of how self centered the comment, don't these players have a right or responsibility to their families to max their earning potential in the short window they have while they are the current hot producers ? Clint owes me nothing, but I certainly appreciate his coming back to the states to help raise the bar in MLS and let our youth see some of our best players while they are still in good form. So if Klinsy is fed up with our system, let him go some where that has the pool of players he feels he DESERVES. But he doesn't need to piss on my players. Last time I checked he wasn't all that welcome in German football. It is interesting that even with our crappy players and even crappier league, we managed to beat some Euro teams at various world cups. Was Italy, England, Spain THAT much better than our MNT? Portugal may have the best player in the world, but that certainly hasn't translated into them dominating the world. So, if watching our soccer world slowly evolve isn't exciting enough, maybe the problem isn't with the teams, but rather with the expectations of the fans. Personally, I don't think the players have an obligation to live up to the fans standards. After all no fan has to work out everyday to become an expert or a pro, so be thankful for how well we are doing...it wasn't always this good
Why not say "I love the Dempsey and Bradley are trying to make the MLS a place to play for top level talent. I wish that more US players and top international players (at the top of their careers) would play in the MLS. The league is improving and bringing top talent to play full time in the US will help our nation and National Team become the premier soccer country in the world"
Dream vs. reality. "Klinsmann wants all his players playing at the highest level in Europe" is just a dream. "American players' standard is not up to the European level yet" is the reality. Bradley was making $1 million annually at Roma, sitting on the bench, waiting for Totti to get injured to get some playing time. He is making $6 millions annually at Toronto playing 90 minutes each game. Unless Klinsmann is willing to pay Bradley the $5 million difference and keep him at Roma, he needs to shut up.
Folks, let's all quit talking about Klinsmann, just turn to talking about his replacement
Jurgen Littleman needs to go for many reasons listed above, but primarily for his total lack of class. Actually his stupidity might be a good second reason. Bite the bullet, buy him out of his contract, and get on with job. My vote is for Bruce Arena on an interim basis, or longer if he wishes.
To improve US soccer perhaps we need to relook at our College Soccer system. Why the rest of the world goes into a U-21 Professional Club System, our kids go into a Division-1 system where the best talent gets diluted, across a lot of Universities and the Season is essentially 3-4 months long. Then what, maybe the team trains throughout the year, but these kids aren't facing year round competition. That's where I think we begin to drain our talent pool.
I've got an idea--let's improve the USMNT by continuing to do things the way we have always done. The last thing we want is a coach who prods the players to challenge themselves as much as possible. We could even decree that all USMNT players must come from MLS--I'm sure we would improve by doing that!
May response to Tommy mcleod.Yes,absolutely,we all know that MLS league is at the same level of European leagues,but for those of us who live in America and want World Football to be just as good as in Europe,then we have to have patience.I must say however,that the state of the sport of World Football/Soccer has not progress much since the arrival of JK.Any one who watched their last performance against a poor mediocre Honduras team,can feel the same frustration I experience that afternoon,I mean it was pathetic.This was a US National team ?.Some MLS teams like Seattle or Portland could have done better.I was just as frustrated as I was twenty yrs ago.And lets face it,back then they were mostly American college kids playing the game (today they are broadcasters or do commentaries or have coaching jobs).But this team was the worst I have seen.
But,what PG.and commissioner Garber are saying is,that 'YOU DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU",and JK (although honest),should keep his mouth shot and don't talk too much.He says that Donovan could have extended his career,but...it was him who practically stop him from continuing when denying Donovan the right to play what deservedly would have been his last World Cup.That is hypocrisy right there.And we all know that Donovan would have done better than some of the 'talented'guys he took instead.
Yes it is true that MLS is not up to European professional soccer. If Garber and the owners want to help produce American players for the USMNT then they need to stop paying the big bucks to the European players and stop bringing in cheap South American players and start using American born players.
The MLS needs to start a soccer revolution in the US. They need to build 300,000 futsal courts in our inner cities. When the MLS does that then and only then will they not have to worry about what anyone says about the league because in 10 years we have magical players come out of these futsal courts. And we will never have to bring foreign coaches or foreign players to play for us because we are now producing great players through a natural process where kids starting at age 5 play 3 to 5 hours a day, at no cost, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. If the MLS doesn't do this then the MLS will have to continue to bring in old and average players into the US to take the places of Usonian players. US soccer needs radical change. $300 cleats, coaching dvds, other gimmicks and smoke n mirrors are not going to make magical players in the USA. We need to get away from a coaching environment and create a playing environment for our grassroots development. I have been coaching in the US for 40 years and I have been all over the world. You can't make chicken soup with chicken @@@@. Coaches don't win championships. Talented players when championships. Who care what JK or anyone says. We need radical change. We need a 21st century master plan for our USONIANS. We need a REVOLUTION!!!!!
Yes, we must continue to develop and retain our youth talent but based on Mr. Klinsman's comments this will never happen. He searches for youth in Europe, praises European based players, and prefers to talk about how great European leagues are and all this while bashing our own.
A revolution!!!
Yes, Bruce Arena and the LA Galaxy are doing it. They have created in just a few years great opportunity for our youth. LA Galaxy 2, LA Galaxy youth club alliances, futsal courts, and great up and coming homegrown players.
What has Klinsman done for us???
Michael Bradley should be playing for a good team in a top league in Europe, because he's god enough to ! mls IS a step backward for him, and he wont continue to improve the way he would competing against world class players in Europe. Those are facts. If that hurts your feelings as an MLS fan then too bad ! There's nothing wrong with Klinsmann wanting his BEST players to play in Europe.
*good
Brett, we are America and we are a group of immigrants that always develop from within and create nothing but the best. Hope that doesn't hurt your feelings.
Europe has always needed us, if you don't believe me, read a history book. Hope that doesn't hurt.
I sure hope Klinsman learns the American way or goes back home!
We believe in our players, our league and our nation...and we will be great!!
Johnny Caal, you can speak in platitudes and patriotism all you want, but in soccer there is not a shred of history that the US can develop into a world class soccer nation. You can wave the flag all you want, but that will not change the fact that the US is not globally competitive in soccer.
Buzby B,
It's truly sad to see what Klinsman has caused.
Funny how the truth hurts huh!
History always repeats itself so for now I will continue to believe in us... We will succeed!
I'm surprised to see only one other person mention Jermaine Jones? Perhaps his move is too recent, but he must certainly fall into Klinsi's s-list. Garber's right to be upset. I like Klinsi and what he's done so far, but not the best choice of words for the occasion. What will be telling is what kind of mileage his comments get him with his players. Words like that have a way of back firing.
American prodigy , this kid is playing in the club of Brazil, the son of a Brazilian father where he lives since he was 8 years and says his dream is to play for the US Men's National Team!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeZOrzip_OM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeZOrzip_OM
I completely missed Garber's veiled attack about people who work in this sport being allied. But it brings up an interesting reality about US Soccer. US Soccer is run by two people - Gulati and Garber - that have been in their positions for almost a decade. That's a long time! Gulati has run for re-election the past two times un-opposed. MLS is single entity - taking players from one team and assigning to another at its complete discretion. At what point do we remove the chains and let teams compete? When can we throw some different voices into the mix of US Soccer that might have different ways to move us forward? Competition is a good thing - for Bradley and for Garber.
Talent Boy...Very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeZOrzip_OM
Paul, I occasionally agree with your point of view but I believe you are 100% right on here. Sunil....fire the coach. Thank You!
I have never read so much garbage in my life.it is obvious to me that some of you people should stick to baseball,basketball nfl or college football,sports that the u.s.rules the world
I myself played soccer in America in the latter end of my career after playing for Dundee United in Scotland.in my time there we were lucky to have a couple of thousand at any game .i played in the professional league where every team consisted of players of every european nationality you can mention.i doubt if there was one american bred player in the league and now some of you expect that you can just take over soccer and rule the world.America is a great country.the American people are the best..believe me you are lucky to have Klinsmann coaching your team.he reminds me of Sir Alex Ferguson in some ways in his attitude of treating some critics with the contempt they deserve.believe me America will be a power in soccer one day .maybe sooner than we think.somebody mentioned beating Honduras 1-0
Well the other day Italy beat Malta 1-0.yes Malta.
A country with a population of half a million people.you cant just expect to throw your jerseys on the field and score a bunch of goals these days.guess it was Klinsmann fault eh,dont be too critical guys.
By the way i am really enjoying the baseball.
Tommy Mcleod
You are now talking about replacing JK, my question is "With Whom"? I think JK has done a darn good job the World Cup has shown that.
If it is to hot in the Kitchen for you - get out. You all have to learn how to accept criticism
Ric F., that is one sick-*ss comment, given this nation is the most welcoming and generous in the history of the world. Maybe get a new Webster's and look up your accusation. Unbelievable.
Well the real controversy should be how the National Team is playing. I went to the game in Boca Raton against Honduras and two thing just hit me: the totally boring,predictable game of the USA team and the poor assistance of USA fans to see our team...not even a college stadium could be full of USA fans...
Ramon, yes thats because of our mentality seen in these comments here. We believe that MLS is doing fine and dont demand a better product. Mls boring to watch. What do we expect from our USMNT when thats where most of the players come from??
"But it won’t alter the fact that the USA has a national team coach whose repeated public statements make it clear that he has NO FAITH in the value of this country’s pro league, and NOT MUCH MORE in the players it produces."
Paul Garber summarized everything on this final statement... Rest my case!!
The face. MLS is boring to watch. As a matter of fact your statement is not entirely truth. I've been a season member for two years and although at first I was an exceptic. I have been slowly surprised of how much MLS product has improved.
Also, if what JK is trying is to get MLS product to improve, he is doing a horrible job. You do not help your own son to improve his grades by publicly and flagrantly slamming him in front of the whole family, do you?
My aunt is fat. Is that the truth? Yes it is. But what is my motive in pointing it out? Yes, yes, yes, it's true MLS is not up to La Liga, the EPL is the greatest, blah, blah, etc. ad nauseum. But it is undeniably in the long-term interest of the USSF to have a strong domestic league. Not only does this provide something to those of us who want to go to see actual games in our own stadiums (more important to me than the USMNT), it also provides the bulk of the player pool for the USMNT. MLS may be comparatively weak today, and Klinsmann's comments are surely correct, but if the goal is to build a strong, entertaining domestic league that will broaden the US player pool, then his comments are short-sighted and stupid.
Gerber always want to make everybody keep shut up. He always impose fines on any body who dare open his mouth. Especially if somebody is critisizing him or his incompetence in matters of soccer. If we want to make progress we should be able to talk openly.
How mls can pay players who sat mostly on bench in their former clubs $6m salary? I agree with Klinsman.