Read this: http://blog.chron.com/soccer/2012/05/klinsmann-shows-ignorance-of-american-culture/
This is a very mixed up argument and issue. I agree with the gist that Coach Klinsmann might not fully understand the American soccer mentality and psyche.
I also agree that American soccer fans don’t want to see Barcelona style mobs of players whining to referees. As much as I love the style Barca plays with, I hate that aspect of their game. However, I do understand the effectiveness of it and why Klinsmann would make that point.
However, there is nothing wrong with Klinsmann’s point about “stepping on toes”. The physical side of the game is part of the game, it’s undeniable. I’m not the biggest fan of teams that are only able to put their stamp on the game with physicality, but it can be effective. If a team like Brazil is running over the US with skill and flair, something has to be figured out.
Klinsmann comes from a different soccer culture than most of us in the US. Isn’t that why he was hired? At the highest level, it’s all about winning and getting results. These little things are a part of that. It’s not minivans and orange slices with the US national team anymore…
Nasty boys win trophies.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
First time I’ve heard this cover, one of my favorite random old hits.
Pandora pulled up Prince’s “7” this morning, one of my all-time favorites. Found this pretty cool live performance, still have to find a way to see this man live, he’s at the top of my “MUST SEE” list…
This scene is one of those perfect real life moments. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed just the right song to sing along to in the car and skipped around trying to find it. Am I the only one who was like, “That’s me!”?
We’ve been struggling at Soccer in the Streets lately about the best way to phrase our curriculum/program manual/philosophy. What we do can’t be put into a cookie cutter curriculum, passed out to coaches, and then put into action step by step. It isn’t possible now at our 12 program locations across metro Atlanta, it definitely wouldn’t work as we expand further.
Each site has its own personality and things that work there but might now work elsewhere. For example, your soccer activities are going to be different working with a group that plays consistently than with a group that has never played before. Our current sites run the gamut from experienced, high level players to kids who have never touched a soccer ball.
So, a step-by-step curriculum won’t apply to what we do. However, our coaches also have a varied skill level. They need to have the flexibility to choose from a menu of possible activities, but also some concrete examples for them to see.
The word manifesto came up, and I’m gravitating more and more to it to describe this document. It will be heavy on the philosophy of why we teach the game in the manner that we do, but also give examples to show this in action. It’s a way to document what we do, and hopefully replicate it in the best way possible.
Heavy assignment, but looking forward to getting it nailed down and put into use.
Working from home today gave me the joy of seeing one of television’s greatest moments…
