Gulati's job is to manage. What he's doing instead is shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic. The reason Bruce Arena lost his job after 2006 was that he was exposed as being completely out of his depth against good international competition. Managing in a second-tier league is not likely to have sharpened his skills.
At this stage, the USMNT should not have a domestic-based manager. It's just that simple. Bob Bradley, who was also overmatched internationally, is getting his lunch eaten for him in the Premier League and he was supposedly the great American hope.
It's the world's game. We need to see it like the world does. Right now, there isn't an American manager who can really do that.
At this stage, the USMNT should not have a domestic-based manager. It's just that simple. Bob Bradley, who was also overmatched internationally, is getting his lunch eaten for him in the Premier League and he was supposedly the great American hope.
It's the world's game. We need to see it like the world does. Right now, there isn't an American manager who can really do that.
1
Then how do you explain Arena's run to the quarterfinals at the Japan World Cup?
Bradley has inherited a lousy team. He took over a win less Swansea team in early October. Also how do you explain Bradley leading the USMNT to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup (where we outplayed Brazil for most of the match)?
Bradley has inherited a lousy team. He took over a win less Swansea team in early October. Also how do you explain Bradley leading the USMNT to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup (where we outplayed Brazil for most of the match)?
A few more things on Sunil Gulati:
1) In 1998, Gulati was one the driving forces behind U.S. Soccer’s Project 2010, a $50 million development initiative that was supposed be the road map to take Team USA to the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport. “Winning the World Cup by 2010: Soccer’s Equivalent to the Apollo XI Moon Landing.” The document’s cover featured an astronaut on the Moon, American flag in one hand, the World Cup trophy in the other, an image that, like the report’s title, is even more laughable now than it was then.
1) Sunil repeatedly enabled Hope Solo through one embarrassment after another, is stuck in another ugly but avoidable labor dispute (and public relations disaster - 60 Minutes last week) with the only U.S. team that wins, the Women’s World Cup champions, and has presided over the U.S. men’s failure to qualify for the past two Olympic Games or get past the second round at the past three World Cups.
2) Gulati's best friend is/was Chuck Blazer, but knew nothing of the bribes and corruption within CONCACAF (during his 15 year association with Blazer and CONCACAF during the scandal), was unwilling to talk to Congress during their investigation of the matter, yet got himself onto FIFA’s Executive Committee in 2013 (with then mafioso boss Sepp Blatter ).
4) As a FIFA EXCO member Sunil earns $300K per year for 5 meetings worth of work. If you serve 5 years there's a lifetime pension of over $100K per year.
Read - http://bit.ly/2gBBpCz
1) In 1998, Gulati was one the driving forces behind U.S. Soccer’s Project 2010, a $50 million development initiative that was supposed be the road map to take Team USA to the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport. “Winning the World Cup by 2010: Soccer’s Equivalent to the Apollo XI Moon Landing.” The document’s cover featured an astronaut on the Moon, American flag in one hand, the World Cup trophy in the other, an image that, like the report’s title, is even more laughable now than it was then.
1) Sunil repeatedly enabled Hope Solo through one embarrassment after another, is stuck in another ugly but avoidable labor dispute (and public relations disaster - 60 Minutes last week) with the only U.S. team that wins, the Women’s World Cup champions, and has presided over the U.S. men’s failure to qualify for the past two Olympic Games or get past the second round at the past three World Cups.
2) Gulati's best friend is/was Chuck Blazer, but knew nothing of the bribes and corruption within CONCACAF (during his 15 year association with Blazer and CONCACAF during the scandal), was unwilling to talk to Congress during their investigation of the matter, yet got himself onto FIFA’s Executive Committee in 2013 (with then mafioso boss Sepp Blatter ).
4) As a FIFA EXCO member Sunil earns $300K per year for 5 meetings worth of work. If you serve 5 years there's a lifetime pension of over $100K per year.
Read - http://bit.ly/2gBBpCz
3
Gulati earns very decent money as a member of FIFA' ExCo and if you read Andrew Jennings' recent book on FIFA corruption, you'll be asking a lot of questions about Gulati's high tolerance for the likes of Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner; that alone should justify his removal.
Klinsmann deserves a lot of credit for trying to instill a greater sense of professionalism in US players, and pointing out the shortcomings of MLS. But no coach lasts forever.
Klinsmann deserves a lot of credit for trying to instill a greater sense of professionalism in US players, and pointing out the shortcomings of MLS. But no coach lasts forever.
2
This article is unbelievably slanted in Gulati's favor. How can you give the impression that just because the USSF position is uncompensated Sunil only makes money as a professor? Please follow up with a piece on his FIFA ExCo member $$, above and below the table. His relationship with and compensation from SUM, etc.
Additionally, how can you not discuss his association with Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner and his completly unjustifiable decision to not attend a US Senate sub comittee hearing on the corruption and his decision to send Dan Flynn in his stead?
Not to mention, Sunil is unpaid, but the Federation is BIG business, Dan Flynn is paid $650,000 above board. Come on, do a real article, this puff piece is insulting to your readership.
Additionally, how can you not discuss his association with Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner and his completly unjustifiable decision to not attend a US Senate sub comittee hearing on the corruption and his decision to send Dan Flynn in his stead?
Not to mention, Sunil is unpaid, but the Federation is BIG business, Dan Flynn is paid $650,000 above board. Come on, do a real article, this puff piece is insulting to your readership.
2
Gulati should be on thin ice due to the poor performance of the men's national teams, gross under performance of the women's national team at the Olympics, and failure to expand elite level training to under privileged children. The last issue should have Gulati's focus because youth soccer development in the US is flawed and is not on track to improve.
Access to quality soccer at the youth levels in the US is wholly dependent upon income. The higher the quality of soccer, the higher the cost to the players and families, in real dollars and in having a parent available to drive long distances on a regular basis. This has become more pronounced with the opening of the Development Academy system, whose ranks are filled with children of wealthy parents with the ability to pay for quality coaching. This excludes an entire socioeconomic group from ever having the chance of making an impact on USA soccer, something that does not occur around the world and is the primary reason that the men's team is not competitive on an international level and our women's team is no longer the dominant soccer power even with the advantage of Title IX that most countries do not have.
Access to quality soccer at the youth levels in the US is wholly dependent upon income. The higher the quality of soccer, the higher the cost to the players and families, in real dollars and in having a parent available to drive long distances on a regular basis. This has become more pronounced with the opening of the Development Academy system, whose ranks are filled with children of wealthy parents with the ability to pay for quality coaching. This excludes an entire socioeconomic group from ever having the chance of making an impact on USA soccer, something that does not occur around the world and is the primary reason that the men's team is not competitive on an international level and our women's team is no longer the dominant soccer power even with the advantage of Title IX that most countries do not have.
3
I truly worry about the youth soccer pay-to-play model in the U.S.. I currently live in Prague and my teenage sons play in the Czech club system - for the youth team of a minor Prague club. They face strong competition and play about 30 matches in a year. We do pay fees to the club, but totalling only about $300/year per player - one tenth of what it will likely cost for them to play in Virginia next year. The MLS teams should be opening their academies for free - a cost of doing business. I worry about all the talented players in the U.S. whose parents don't have that kind of disposable income.
That looks a bit like a feudalistic system where someone is born, or otherwise get into place, to be almighty ruler (Dei Gratia) for as long as he does is not caught with a young player in the uni-sex-toilet, or being drunk and having a bl.. ... - well, something with someone of the other sex, sorry: gender, in a dark alley-way.
Having been teaching at a university myself, I doubt, could have danced on as many parties as Mr. Gulati - not without collapsing of total exhaustion.
There seem, to my humble view, only be three possibilities:
A. He does a good university job - but a meagre soccer one, or
B. he does a great soccer job - but his students suffer, or
C. he is a re-incarnation of Harry Potter - having changed his sports interests from flying on a broom to ruling in untouchable Majesty over the whole nation's soccer pitches - and teaching some economic make-up at university, just to make up for his missing sports' income.
Neither, however, sounds very convincing.
Tell me: Was he also one of those going after Sepp Blatter?
Having been teaching at a university myself, I doubt, could have danced on as many parties as Mr. Gulati - not without collapsing of total exhaustion.
There seem, to my humble view, only be three possibilities:
A. He does a good university job - but a meagre soccer one, or
B. he does a great soccer job - but his students suffer, or
C. he is a re-incarnation of Harry Potter - having changed his sports interests from flying on a broom to ruling in untouchable Majesty over the whole nation's soccer pitches - and teaching some economic make-up at university, just to make up for his missing sports' income.
Neither, however, sounds very convincing.
Tell me: Was he also one of those going after Sepp Blatter?
Suggestion to increase competition among US players and increase interest among the public: have all the US States compete for the US State championship. It would be fun to see New York battle California, or see the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry played out on the soccer field.
I'm very pleased with the decision to tell JK "time up." Too much failure. Too many excuses. Too much blame for everyone except for himself. As for Gulati - he made the right move, and did not wait too long. As far as I am concerned, that shows leadership.
This was a good article, explaining to those who also wanted Gulati fired, why that isn't likely to happen. He does sit in a unique position: not directly affected by a popular vote, nor a profit/loss statement. As long as he doesn't commit a crime, he can remain in power. This is unfamiliar to Americans raised with a belief in democracy and capitalism.
But this is the trade off when we decide to make order out of anarchy - we have to accept the reduction of total independence in return for supposed improvement by collective cooperation. And with that comes a leadership hierarchy, and ultimate a "leader".
The good news here is that while Gulati is insulated enough that he could turn a deaf ear to the criticism, he didn't. He obviously had a big stake in Klinsmann's success or failure since he hired him, but he put that aside to make the tough, but right (IMO) decision. But if Arena doesn't work out, let's hope it doesn't take him 5 years to figure that out.
But this is the trade off when we decide to make order out of anarchy - we have to accept the reduction of total independence in return for supposed improvement by collective cooperation. And with that comes a leadership hierarchy, and ultimate a "leader".
The good news here is that while Gulati is insulated enough that he could turn a deaf ear to the criticism, he didn't. He obviously had a big stake in Klinsmann's success or failure since he hired him, but he put that aside to make the tough, but right (IMO) decision. But if Arena doesn't work out, let's hope it doesn't take him 5 years to figure that out.
1
Since Gulati is in a volunteer position of sorts, maybe he can see the light and just not run again - making way for a new generation.
1
American soccer seems to be caught between three well-established models: sport federation, US pro league, and overseas league system which has certain similarities to US college sports. Klinsmann couldn't live with this unwieldy set-up; Arena can; the latter's return is an admission that drastic reform has failed.
1
A clear sign that US soccer is dormant at best.......my only, lonely comment here.....good luck to Arena.
1
Galati draws salary from FIFA and is handsomely compensated. Before joining USSF he was a MLS executive. Virtually all USSF board members or spouses have financial ties to MLS. USSF gave its valuable marketing assets to the entity related to MLS known as SUM. FIFA gives USA special exemption from paying youth clubs that develop any talented young players, unlike rest of world. Youth clubs miss that development revenue and to be financially viable continue with pay to play development system, so that primarily upper middle class children who can pay are developed. There are no secrets here. The system is all entwined and beholden to the group that controls the pro soccer league here in US.
7
Excellent article detailing the layout of a typical soccer federation. Gulati chased Klinsmann for good reason, and probably held on longer than he should have, but those are the perennial debates that keep aficionados occupied throughout the globe.
1
Follow the money. How much is Gulati paid and where does the money come from?
3
It is dismaying to see how the U.S. team has regressed in their level of play, to the point where they look lost, lacking skill and enthusiasm to compete at the international level. And thank you, NYT, for this article on Gulati, which answers some questions for me on why we have performed so poorly. Why on earth don't we have a more competitive and rigorous process for this position? The fact that he has run uncontested tells me this is a political appointment and that's a shame. He did play soccer...in high school, but is clearly not qualified to identify top-level talent, either at the coaching or player level, so why keep him? And how do I throw my name in for the next vote?
1
was a mistake to fire JK ... coaches can only do so much with the talent available ... players need to play ... Sunil should fire himself.
5
While Mr. Gulati has many responsibilities the USMNT is the promotional flyer for US soccer, and no one is buying it. Over at least 25 years the US has developed not one world class talented player. Sure we can get a player or two on a team in Europe but not one to be confused with a star player on the world scene. Our players are fillers on European teams. Why?
Cause the same 'union rules' that keep Gulati in power are teaching the youngsters the game of soccer. US soccer is a political mess. Compare it to real initiatives to produce top youth talent in other countries. You do not see a widespread 'pay for play' private club system that is in place more to provide a nice living for coaches than develop players. So you end up with well-heeled kids that mommy & daddy want to play D1 college....not become international professionals.
And each time we bum rush a foreign coach out we, the US cement our reputation as a pretender on the world soccer stage.
Cause the same 'union rules' that keep Gulati in power are teaching the youngsters the game of soccer. US soccer is a political mess. Compare it to real initiatives to produce top youth talent in other countries. You do not see a widespread 'pay for play' private club system that is in place more to provide a nice living for coaches than develop players. So you end up with well-heeled kids that mommy & daddy want to play D1 college....not become international professionals.
And each time we bum rush a foreign coach out we, the US cement our reputation as a pretender on the world soccer stage.
1
First: Pay the women! C'mon. They've earned it.
Second: This thoughtful piece (the tight paragraphs listing the various issues facing US Soccer give an excellent view of the breadth to which this sport has grown here) makes a real case for Gulati as a decent steward of the game here. I don't think I'd object if a good challenge to his presidency arose, but he has the growth of the game and the excellence of American players at the forefront of his thinking, and he deserves credit for that. And Klinsmann wasn't a mistake: As right as this move is, we'll all come to agree with the generous assessment in the press release of his impact on the program at all levels across his five years. He did quite well for a while, so credit where credit is due on that.
Third: It's implicit on the line of questioning about whether the structure of US Soccer is outmoded as to the correct answer: Yes, it is. Time for this to grow to the next professional level.
And last: PAY THE WOMEN, NOW, MR. GULATI. You embarrass the organization with this battle. They have the moral high ground, the results and quite frankly the #1 ranking worldwide. You have all this other stuff to deal with; admit that you're beaten on this issue and do the right thing.
Second: This thoughtful piece (the tight paragraphs listing the various issues facing US Soccer give an excellent view of the breadth to which this sport has grown here) makes a real case for Gulati as a decent steward of the game here. I don't think I'd object if a good challenge to his presidency arose, but he has the growth of the game and the excellence of American players at the forefront of his thinking, and he deserves credit for that. And Klinsmann wasn't a mistake: As right as this move is, we'll all come to agree with the generous assessment in the press release of his impact on the program at all levels across his five years. He did quite well for a while, so credit where credit is due on that.
Third: It's implicit on the line of questioning about whether the structure of US Soccer is outmoded as to the correct answer: Yes, it is. Time for this to grow to the next professional level.
And last: PAY THE WOMEN, NOW, MR. GULATI. You embarrass the organization with this battle. They have the moral high ground, the results and quite frankly the #1 ranking worldwide. You have all this other stuff to deal with; admit that you're beaten on this issue and do the right thing.
4
Sunil Gulati is a great man and a great US Soccer President. I think his new choice for hiring Bruce Arena as coach was smart and it reminded me of a high school teacher that taught me my freshman year. He wrote on the chalkboard k.i.s.s. I looked and had no idea what it meant. But then he explained it and said Keep It Simple Stupid. This is great because I finally figured it out that to win at soccer you have to keep it simple and that is the beautiful part of the game.
If Gulati had even the tiniest of clues, he would pay the women. But he's not even a practitioner of the dismal science, he's a teacher of it. Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach. Those that can mangle the beautiful game, are administrators in Argentina, England, and The USA.
1
Gulati hired Klinsmann. He extended Klinsi's contract adding to his portfolio player development, a flop in terms of failing to qualify the U-23s for Rio, massively outplayed by Colombia in a two legged playoff, Christian Pulisic's presence notwithstanding, and the U-17s were bottom of their group.
On the bright side, Klinsi blooded in Pulisic, Gooch, Yedlin, Wood, some young, promising talent.
But since Gulati extended him, Klinsi had the first USMNT to not make a Gold Cup semi, unknown losses to Panama and Jamaica. Then they got slammed in the Gold Cup playoff/Confederations Cup playoff. Did well in group in the Copa America before being embarrassed by Argentina.
But this team struggled to beat Antigua and Barbuda in the first WC round. And Klinsi, Gulati's chosen man, decided to play an experimental formation in the Hex opener home to Mexico, with the notoriously unsuccessful trip to Costa Rica looming? Klinsi lost the plot, and that should reflect on Gulati.
Gulati is the man who insisted on holding the women to a CBA with a written "expiration date" in 2012, and refused to negotiate with them since. The women got abysmal legal advice about a memorandum of continuance. Make no mistake, some of that baggage was carried into the Rio Olympics, and that's on Gulati.
Borden may be right, that Gulati isn't going anywhere. But that doesn't mean that his tenure has been successful. Just because he's on the powerful, corrupt FIFA ExCo doesn't mean he shouldn't be replaced.
On the bright side, Klinsi blooded in Pulisic, Gooch, Yedlin, Wood, some young, promising talent.
But since Gulati extended him, Klinsi had the first USMNT to not make a Gold Cup semi, unknown losses to Panama and Jamaica. Then they got slammed in the Gold Cup playoff/Confederations Cup playoff. Did well in group in the Copa America before being embarrassed by Argentina.
But this team struggled to beat Antigua and Barbuda in the first WC round. And Klinsi, Gulati's chosen man, decided to play an experimental formation in the Hex opener home to Mexico, with the notoriously unsuccessful trip to Costa Rica looming? Klinsi lost the plot, and that should reflect on Gulati.
Gulati is the man who insisted on holding the women to a CBA with a written "expiration date" in 2012, and refused to negotiate with them since. The women got abysmal legal advice about a memorandum of continuance. Make no mistake, some of that baggage was carried into the Rio Olympics, and that's on Gulati.
Borden may be right, that Gulati isn't going anywhere. But that doesn't mean that his tenure has been successful. Just because he's on the powerful, corrupt FIFA ExCo doesn't mean he shouldn't be replaced.
2
Klinsmann is a convenient scapegoat for the failure of the US (non-)system to develop enough world class players. The men of the USMNT are to be commended for giving their best efforts, but, truth be told, how many of them would even be considered as candidates to play on any of the top ten men's national soccer teams in the world?