Jurgen Klinsmann May Be "In Discussions" About England Job
By Ty Duffy
England is looking for a new coach. USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s name has been proposed. The German national team’s general manager, Oliver Bierhoff, said he thinks Klinsmann is “in discussions with England.”
"“Perhaps it is an advantage that good players go to England and other countries, so our clubs have to bring other players through. But since the arrival of Jürgen Klinsmann – who I think is in discussions with England – we have also given the national team a certain pride, atmosphere and organisation. The success of the story is the high quality but also the good organisation and good atmosphere we have in the group.”"
Obviously, “thinking” Klinsmann is in discussions with England differs from “knowing” Klinsmann is in discussions with England. “In discussions” could mean the two parties are negotiating. It could also mean England merely sounded out Klinsmann’s interest.
Whatever one makes of Bierhoff’s comment, Klinsmann is the oddsmaker’s favorite to be England’s next coach. Some outlets have him as low as 5/4. The next closest, Sam Allardyce, is about 4/1 or 5/1 to get the job.
Klinsmann is someone England would look at and, potentially, hire. He’s best known for positivity and breaking down hidebound infrastructures. England could use both. Klinsmann has a better reputation in England than in the United States. He was a popular player there in the 1990s. He’s known for his teams’ spirited runs at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups.
England is the premier national team job financially. Roy Hodgson was the highest paid coach at Euro 2016, earning about $4.5 million (with a deflated pound). Previous coaches earned salaries approaching $8 million per year. Klinsmann earned a little over $3 million with the USMNT. It’s doubtful U.S. Soccer would match what England could offer.
Klinsmann would have a higher ceiling with England’s talent at the 2018 World Cup. He would get a fresh start, after wearing out his welcome in much of the U.S. Soccer community. However, he would face far more pressure and media scrutiny (there’s no U.S. sports equivalent to England coach). He would also, not insignificantly, have to leave Southern California.
On paper, Klinsmann moving to England may work out best for all involved. The question is what Jurgen Klinsmann values.