Jurgen Klinsmann’s USMNT squad has lost its last two games, including one very important defeat against Mexico in which the lost the chance to play in the Russia 2017 Confederations Cup.
This, plus the growing amount of detractors — led by Landon Donovan — has cultivated the spread of rumors that US Soccer is looking for a replacement for the German.
The rumor that surprised people the most was the one naming Miguel Herrera, the former Mexico National Team coach, as one of the strong candidates for US Soccer.
US Soccer have always been known for taking their with the coaches they have. Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley worked for more than five years each and now Jurgen Klinsmann is about to complete his fourth year training the national team. And that is the main reason why El Piojo doesn’t look like the future coach for the American side.
In fact, there are 5 main reasons why Miguel Herrera is not suitable for the USMNT, which we now present to you.
Miguel Herrera Is Not A Very Effective Coach
The strength of El Piojo is not in the tactical planning. As a coach, his abilities to adapt and to improve the team while on the pitch are highly limited. This was clear when he tried to adapt players to his tactical scheme (5-3-2) and failed to achieve anything else when not playing with it. For this reason is hard to believe Miguel Herrera interest as USMNT new coach.
What Herrera lacks in tactical variety, he makes up in motivation. He has always been know to havestrong relationships with his players, making them bring their best games. Unfortunately, in the CONCACAF arena, teams are becoming better and better, which makes the need for an intelligent tactical coach a big one.
Piojo’s Anger Issues
After winning the Gold Cup with many problems, Miguel Herrera was fired as the coach of Mexico’s National Team after reportedly punching a journalist who had been criticized the performance of his team.
This event came after a couple of press conferences in which the 47-year-old already threatened Christian Martinoli, the journalist he would reportedly end up hitting.
And, as we all know, American teams and leagues really value their images. Having a time bomb like Miguel Herrera, who can be as charming as he is violent, is a risk that may not be worth taking for the USMNT.
A Mexican Coach For The USMNT Wouldn’t Be approved By The Fans
Let’s face it, the rivalry between El Tri and the USMNT is growing every year and the teams see each other as rivals even in the coaching arena. This is why it makes no sense to think Miguel Herrera interest in replacing Jurgen Klinsmann. How would the growing fan base of the Stars and Stripes feel having a coach from their biggest rival in this sport?
This is a major point, as US Soccer is trying to improve the interest in soccer, an effort that has been consistent and that has had results in the past few years. Hiring Miguel Herrera could be a serious setback.
Miguel Herrera Is Taking A Break
In the world of soccer there is not a consistent way to find what’s true and what’s just a politically correct answer. But if we go along what El Piojo said in his last interview, he is going to take a break to rest from all the work and the pressure that involved coaching El Tri and the scandal that he was a part of in the end.
So, if his comments are true, Herrera won’t be accepting any job in the next months. Maybe in 2016 thing would be different though.
The USMNT Has Not Really Decided To End Jurgen Klinsmann's Tenure
The biggest reason to think all the rumors won’t amount to anything is the fact that Jurgen Klinsmann is still the man on the job. No US Soccer or USMNT manager has made any real statement about firing Klinsmann.
The truth is that the results the American team are having nowadays are more due to a lack of talent in the field rather than on the bench. Klinsmann has proven to be a great coach, achieving third place in FIFA 2006 World Cup with Germany.
On the other hand, Miguel Herrera has proven that he might not be ready to be the coach and leader of a national team, as he let’s his character and the people around him mess with his job. Sure, it was very fun to watch his goal celebrations, but make no mistake, being a coach for a national team is a challenge not made for everyone.
And, certainly, the USMNT is not for El Piojo.
Miguel Herrera and Jurgen Klinsmann after a Mexico vs USMNT match. Photo: @tdw_radio | Twitter
