In futbol, as in politics, much depends on finessing an answer to a direct question.
Ask a politician why they are behind in polling and they will tell you about the incredible support they have from a dedicated base and their message is getting through to voters.
Ask a coach — U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s Jurgen Klinnsmann, for example — why his squad has grossly under-performed since he has taken the reigns back in 2011 and he’ll tell you that despite the setback at the 2015 Gold Cup, in which the squad failed to make the final by losing to tiny Jamaica, younger players have shown tremendous growth and the opportunity for greater success is not far off.
In the end it is up to observers to decide where the truth and answers lie in the offered responses.
However, unlike voters who have to wait years to determine if their candidate fulfilled their promises and followed through on policies, international soccer fans will have an opportunity to again gauge how far along Klinnsmann has brought the U.S. program in the last five years.
Beginning with tonight’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Central American host nation Guatemala, soccer fans can decide if Klinnsmann is still the man for the head coaching job.
While he characterizes his team’s 2014 World Cup appearance a success because they advanced from the Group of Death, the fact is the team got through the first round with only one win, a fortunate tie and a deserved loss. One year later they flamed out of the Gold Cup during the quarterfinals after mediocre performances in the group stage.
Since then Team U.S.A. has offered up inconsistent and spotty performances in friendly matches, a far cry from what fans had hoped for from a man who took Germany to the semifinals and third place in the 2006 World Cup.
The roster for the pair of Guatemala matches includes familiar names to fans who follow the beautiful game in San Diego and Tijuana.
Xolos defender Michael Orozco is on the squad making the trip to Central America, as is former Xolos defender Edgar Castillo.
(Xolos midfielder and Chula Vista’s own Paul Arriola has been called upon to represent the nation’s Olympic qualifying team in their game against Colombia tonight.)
Ultimately what happens on the field(s) tonight and in the future is in the hands of the players. They, not the coach, play the game.
But it’s the coaches who assemble the team, devise strategy and direct policy. Ultimately, success, failure and progress rest on their shoulders — just as it does with any elected leader.
So while they may be telling you one thing, in the end it’s up to fans and voters to decide what’s worth believing. It’s all part of the game.
