United States head coach Jürgen Klinsmann spoke to media members via conference call on Thursday about half an hour after announcing his roster for World Cup qualifiers at Costa Rica and against Mexico in September. Interesting quotes and other highlights embedded below.
U.S. team will begin gathering in Miami on Sept. 1, leaving for Costa Rica on Sept. 2. Immediately following that game, off to Columbus.
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Jürgen Klinsmann: “Probably the biggest game in the year 2013. … We want to win for the first time in Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying.”
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann says Clint Dempsey (match fitness) and Graham Zusi (injury) should be fully fit to play both games.
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Jurgen Klinsmann: “Having Landon back in the picture is another really good option for us.” #USMNT
— Thomas Floyd (@thomasfloyd10) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann: Observing, visiting & watching Brooks; a very special player in the ranks. #USMNT
— Odeen Domingo (@azc_domingo) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann: Costa Rica is to be respected, but this #USMNT team has the quality to get three points there.
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann: I think Beasley is set at the left back role and Fabian is set in the left winger role right now.
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann:“Bedoya made a huge jump over the last 7-8 months. … Compared to where he was in January camp, it’s just really wonderful to see.”
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann on Eric Lichaj: “We follow him … and he’s in our picture. … This is not the time to kind of experiment.” #USMNT
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann on Boyd’s omission: “It’s both (down to his recent injury & growing depth up top).” #USMNT
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann on yellow cards: “I don’t know if conservative is the right word. … The guys need to be very disciplined and focused.” #USMNT
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
On the lighter side, Klinsmann recommended players don’t take their shirts off after they score. #USMNT
— Liviu Bird (@liviubird) August 29, 2013
Klinsmann says the door “is always open for Stevie” Cherundolo. Notes they’re tracking his return from injury. #USMNT
— Thomas Floyd (@thomasfloyd10) August 29, 2013