there is one.
Coaching.
there is no way anyone will convince me at this point that having top flight talent, from top flight clubs, that START- not come off bench- START for their respective clubs, arrive here and after 8 practice sessions, look like this is the first big game they play in.
CCV STARTS for Celtic
Ream STARTS for Fulham
Richards STARTS for Crystal Palace
This is the core of our back 5. And yet they play as if they havent a clue ( at crucial times ) to what is happening. One explanation- That is a player thinking. So why is he having to think in the middle of a game? WHY, as
@Beast alluded to, is he looking over his shoulder in the 6yd box??? He should be playing on instinct because he has seen all of this before. But if there is the slightest indecisiveness, indecision or lack of understanding, they will think. COACHING. It just keeps coming back to coaching.
We FINALLY get a true set-piece coordinator and VIOLA - set pieces are now a weapon. Why did it take 2 years to figure this out?!?!?!
Berhalter seems to leave some players to their "own devices" - which, if its not aligned with the other players and/or strategy/tactic, or what they are used to doing/seeing, its simply not gonna work. And that is culture. We lack it along with a certain amount of identity. If you lack a culture and identity in any sport, you are destined to be average. Even below average.
We need a change in the worst way. We need someone with gravitas AND RESPECT. Someone who will come in and lay down markers and put his players in positions that will lead to TEAM success over INDIVIDUAL success. One with a clear tactical plan with players that FIT that plan ( or coach up the existing players to get them to fit that plan )
Post Euro- im looking at Roberto Martinez. Joachim Low. Shoot does Jurgen Klopp want a new challenge? Xavi?
im still so very unsettled after last night. It wasnt supposed to be this way, at this point in the overall USMNT. I cant rationalize watching National Teams comprised of players that come from countries whose ENTIRE POPULATION is no more than the STATE OF MARYLAND. Then to watch the pure joy they, and their supporters get from success.....i so wish the US could find that.
It’s out there, we just need the right people in the right places. Berhalter aint it. Crocker aint it.