Let me be clear. I am not advocating a coup or even suggesting Bob Bradley will be out after this cycle. It's a brain exercise, man.
So without further ceremony, I give you the magnificent five...
#5 - Frank Rijkaard
I'm not totally sure on this one, but part of me thinks he could maybe pull the confidence of style out of the USMNT - make 'em play (gasp!) an exciting style. Then, I start to wonder if that loosening effect might be a tad premature. Then, I recall that fortune favors the bold. So yes, I'd let Frank have a go. I'd also settle for Johan Cruijff or Louis van Gaal here, it was a toss-up.
#4 - Arsene Wenger
Refinement, baby. Instantly, the entire essence of the team would go from Budweiser to Crown Royal and ginger ale. I realize not everyone will agree that is a good thing. I think it would be. And we would surely keep it on the ground to take advantage of our quickness in attack.
#3 - Giovanni Trapattoni
Dear sweet Moses, just for the press conferences. No shit. That alone would be worth it in my book (and I know Sean agrees).
#2 - Jose Mourinho
Duh. Has there ever been a manager more thoroughly prepared? Sure, he's been used to swimming in stars the last several seasons, but let's not forget an underdog UEFA Cup and Champions League double with Porto. Some would warn that he's never bossed at the international level, but sheesh, he's not even been a head coach for a complete decade yet.
#1 - Guus Hiddink
I've said this for about a decade now. This IS the guy to take the U.S. to the vaunted, elusive next level - and that goes even if Bradley takes us up a level at World Cup 2010. In fact, that goes especially if Bradley takes us up a level in South Africa. This is the genius who can gets the absolute most out of the talent on hand. As Jack Donaghy might say, "because he squeezes the sweetest juice out of his players' mind grapes."
- Greg Seltzer
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14 comments:
Good list Greg. I'm surprised you didn't have klinsman on there. Moyes I think would also be an interesting experiment!
Good seven - Cruijff is to much of a genius to really work. What do you think about Loco Bielsa, Jose Peckerman or Roy Hodgson?
I can't argue with anyone on this list, however the likelihood that any of them would be an option for the unimaginative group leading the federation is a bit of a reach. I'b be curious to see who the 2nd tier "darkhorse" candidates would be.
1. Roy Hodgson
2. Guus Hiddink
3. Alex Ferguson
4. David Moyes
5. Jose Mourinho
I want someone at least who's shown they know what to do with Americans.
Solid list. I wholeheartedly agree that Hiddink is something special. He really knows how to make a team work, especially at the international level.
I agree with with a couple of the posters above. Hodgson would be perfect for the USMNT, especially given the stage we're still in.
Fulham : PL as USMNT : Intl
And more importantly, he's the type of coach (style, demeanor, tactics) that USMNT players would respond positively to.
Plus, he has the int'l pedigree.
Hodgson is a great choice to add to that list and I would argue above a few on it.
How about Wilmer Cabrera as a dark-horse who might even be palatable to US Soccer? US17 coach, has them playing a more creative game within US Soccer's fundamental approach. Has been involved in US soccer from grass roots up since the 90's, seems to understand the politics and weaknesses of the development strategy and player pool. And a damn good coach.
For those wondering, my next five choices would be (given a bit to think it over):
David Moyes
Martin Jol
Roy Hodgson
Marcelo Lippi
Klinsi
I am not a big fan of Bielsa, Pekerman seems better fit for youth internationals and I would not put Cabrera terribly high (not that I have anything against him).
What do you think of Felix Magath?
Ya know, Magath is one of those guys that is up and down with me, just in general. As far as a fit with the USMNT vibe, that's where I cross him off. Same goes for Capello.
Thanks for commenting on Cabrera Greg. He keeps coming to mind mainly because I just get the feeling that USSF will not go outside of their "ranks" for an eventual new head coach. I personally would probably soil myself in excitement if the likes of Hiddink, Mourinho or anyone else on your list were to take the reigns... I think the right mind and personality could really make that much of a difference for the Nats. Can you comment on the likelihood of Sunil and his Band of Merry Men turning their eyes across the pond for the next USMNT coach, whenever that may be?
I like the overall thinking here. Some international coaching will be the solution to advancing the MNT game. We do play a D1 college soccer style of force the ball forward and anticipate the counter attack. That seems to be the style right now. It would be awesome to see a coach like Mourinho or Hiddink and utilize the resources effectively and create the environment and team that the US is starving for. Cabrera has brought that to the youth team. I too would like to see him get a crack at the full squad. But, we have to respect Bradley and where he has taken the program so far. I am not totally writing Bob off yet. But, we all know he is in over his head.
Van Basten would be my choice. Hodgson way up there too.
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