Latest Photo Galleries
Brazilian Markets
16h15 Bovespa |
-0,33% | 123.971 |
16h43 Gold |
0,00% | 117 |
16h27 Dollar |
-0,64% | 5,2344 |
16h30 Euro |
+0,49% | 2,65250 |
ADVERTISING
USA Goal is to Survive the First Round and Surprise in the World Cup, Says Klinsmann
04/23/2014 - 11h03
Advertising
RAFAEL REIS
FROM SÃO PAULO
The USA need to increase their participation in the Champions League if they want to stand out in the World Cup. The evaluation comes from the German coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who won the title in 1990, when he still was a player.
Only four North Americans were enrolled in this season's fourth biggest interclub championship: the midfielders Kljestan (Anderlecht-BEL) and Jermaine Jones (Besiktas-TUR), the attacking midfielder Julian Green (Bayern Munich-ALE), and the goalkeeper Yeldell (Bayer Leverkusen-ALE), who did not play.
The coach's request is opposite to what happens in reality. Right now, the USA imports more players than it exports. The MLS (Major League Soccer) growth took back to the country some of the main players of the national team, as the midfielder Bradley and the attacking midfielder Dempsey, who had solid careers in Europe.
Klinsmann also told Folha that he will be happy if the American team survives the first round of the World Cup. He also praised the training centre in Sao Paulo, where they will be accommodated.
Folha- When you came to Brazil in January you were able to see part of the structure that will be used in the World Cup. Is there a reason for concern?
Jürgen Klinsmann - We were very happy during the 12 days we spent in Sao Paulo. The training centre I visited in the city, in Barra Funda, is a "world class" one. I also visited Natal and Recife. The stadiums are fantastic and they will be great hosts.
Is there anything related to the organization or to the country that concerns you?
Not at all. From the organizing committee to the police and all the staff, we trust that everything will be ready.
What did you like the most about your visit?
It was this absolute passion you have for soccer. You live and breathe the sport. As we walked down the streets, everyone was very cheerful towards us. I've been saying to my team that playing a World Cup in Brazil is a unique experience.
Why did you choose Sao Paulo?
We believe the city has the best structure to accommodate us. It's also big and our families and staff can enjoy it during the Cup.
What's missing in the USA team to be among the champions?
The American soccer has improved a lot, especially in the last 20 years. The MLS (Major League Soccer) is still growing. To compete side by side with the stronger teams we need players in the highest level, which means, in the Champions League. The more players we have representing these clubs, the better our team will be.
When the USA will be ready to win a World Cup?
That's a tough question. Up to now, only eight teams succeeded and there's a reason for these favourite ones being so consistent. We are building a big structure in the USA. It's a process. After living in the USA for more than 15 years, you learn that Americans don't like to be second place. They work hard to improve.
Thus, how far can you go?
We were drawn into the "group of death", but we've been preparing ourselves in the past two years and we believe we can progress to the second round. Having done that, the goal is to surprise whoever comes.
You began to rebuild Germany's national team. What's the biggest challenge in doing the same with the USA?
If you look at Germany's team, you'll notice there are players there who won the Champions League and the Bundesliga. They also have joined high level matches week after week. That's what we have to build in the USA.
USA main players, like Howard, Dempsey and Donovan, are already in the last stage of their careers. Is it a problem?
Let's talk about our spinal cord, the strongest thing in our bodies: Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore. They are all experienced. Tim is 35 years old, what, for a goalkeeper, means the highest peak of his career. Josy, on the other hand, is only 23 and he's already playing his second Cup. We have a good base of veterans.
Who's the favourite to win the Cup?
First is Brazil that will be playing at home. Other teams, such as Germany, Spain and Argentina, are also capable of winning.
Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI