WASHINGTON — With a team boasting former, current and possibly future US national team players, there was a buzz around D.C. United following Friday's announcement that Jurgen Klinsmann would take the helm for the Red, White and Blue.
“I think it’s exciting,” forward Charlie Davies said Tuesday. “For all the players, I think everyone is excited. [Klinsmann], for me, is a legend and a world-class striker.”
But there was also a hint of sadness to see former coach Bob Bradley depart.
“It’s a little bit of a bittersweet moment because coach Bradley did so much for me,” he said. “He gave me the chance to be on the national team, and I would’ve liked to get one game under him since the accident.”
Davies — who was a national team regular before a car accident nearly claimed his life in October of 2009 — said he was intrigued by the appointment. He also said he understands he needs to take care of business for his club in order to catch the eye of the new national team head coach.
“I’m very anxious to impress, that’s for sure,” he said. “As far as my goals, I think it’s the same: I still have to perform on the field here [for D.C. United] and wait for my chance.”
The forward isn't the only one with a link to the US team. Head coach Ben Olsen earned 37 international caps during his playing days, but he declined to comment on the subject. However, forward Josh Wolff, a member of the 2002 and '06 US World Cup squads said he thought it was a good move and a chance for a fresh start for the program.
“I think Bob did a great job with the team that he had, and clearly the idea was they were going to make some change at some point unless there was remarkable progress," Wolff said. “We’ve got to recharge and push back to where we were moving ten years ago. It kind of flatlined a bit, I believe, and I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Rookie defender Perry Kitchen, who’s played on US youth national teams, adopted a patient stance toward the news.
“We’ll see,” he said. "I think it could be a good move, but [Klinsmann] hasn’t done anything yet."
Travis Clark covers D.C. United, college and youth soccer for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @travismclark.
