American sports journalist covering youth college and club soccer – among other things
This week’s news out of Egypt has made headlines worldwide, with the tragedy occurring at the Al-Masry vs. Al-Alhy match.
In the wake of the violence, former U.S. men’s coach, now manager of the Egyptian national team, gave an interview worth watching with an Egyptian outlet. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already.
There’s little reason to get worked up over a meaningless friendly against Brazil. After all, it’s Brazil, the leading global football power and country that seems to effortlessly produce some of the best the game has seen.
On the heels of Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to the Seleção, it becomes increasingly clear that the best option for both U.S. Soccer and Bob Bradley is for the 52-year-old to leave his post. He’s done a competent job in the last four years — in particular when you see the talent he has at his disposal — and would benefit from a change in direction.
Calling for him to leave without an idea for a proper substitute isn’t exactly ideal, but in four years, the same problems have plagued the U.S. men’s team. A lack of attacking ideas for one, save for a bunker-and-counter approach, and if Bradley were to stay, it wouldn’t kill him to try something new. His stubborn love for the 4-4-2/empty bucket has its benefits, although results lately haven’t exactly been stellar. Early goals have been a frequent problem as well, raising questions about the team was prepared mentally.
And that’s what the program needs — a fresh, new approach. Coaches staying on for another four year cycle hasn’t panned out in the past, and there’s little indication that it would work out. Again, it’s no fault of Bradley that is the case, and both sides could be better off if the move was made.
