HOUSTON — The US soccer world was rocked Thursday with the seemingly out-of-nowhere announcement that US national team head coach Bob Bradley was relieved of his duties, only to be replaced a day later by Germany legend Jürgen Klinsmann.
To say Bradley was a divisive figure as head coach of the nation’s soccer team is an understatement. The former Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA head man spent four-and-a-half years with the US national team, and despite his past success, he encountered a significant amount of scrutiny from fans and media alike for his tactics and decision-making—especially since posting a 5-5-4 record since the World Cup.
One player who has significant insight into the national team under Bradley is Houston forward Brian Ching. The veteran forward received 25 of his 45 caps under Bradley and is one of six current Houston players—along with Bobby Boswell, Colin Clark, Geoff Cameron, Brad Davis and Eddie Robinson—who have featured for the US during the coach's tenure.
Ching is also believed to be one of the final cuts from the roster that went to South Africa.
“I just think change could be a good thing for the US men’s national team,” Ching said through a team spokesperson on Thursday afternoon.
Despite the scrutiny, Bradley put together a respectable résumé, including success in the Gold Cup, Confederations Cup and World Cup.
“I think Bob did a great job,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “If you look at what he’s done with the Gold Cup, winning it [in 2007] and finishing second [in 2009 and 2011], and then getting to the round of 16 in the World Cup, he’s done very well.
“Any coach in CONCACAF that’s involved and successful in those tournaments deserves praise, and I think he did a great job and wish him all the best.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.
