Klinsmann wants deeper relationship with fans

[epjr]

Klinsmann wants US to forge deeper relationship with fans

US boss says embracing fan base will give team greater sense of responsibility

CARSON, Calif. — Players and coaches alike have raved about the “positivity” and “energy” that Jurgen Klinsmann has brought into the US national team since his hiring in early August.

That positive spirit appears to be reverberating throughout the fan base, which has been re-energized since Klinsmann’s hiring. On Wednesday night, Klinsmann repaid that support, giving fans their chance to have an inside look at the team as it prepares for Friday’s friendly against Costa Rica (11 pm ET; ESPN2, Galavisión, ESPN3.com).

Nearly 2,000 US fans attended a free open training session at the Home Depot Center. This close interaction between fans and players looks to become standard policy for Klinsmann.


www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/09/01/klinsmann-wants-us-forge-deeper-relationship-fans

[epjr]

Klinsmann outlines plan for US players' offseason sharpness
US coach will work with Euro clubs to keep MLS talent fit in winter


MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Jurgen Klinsmann is often described as an "ideas man," someone who is eager to instill his own unique vision on the soccer field.

The Orange County, Calif., resident sat down with local media members on Monday and further outlined his visions for the US national team. Whether it was discussing the development an “open-minded and risk-taking” identity or simply opening select training sessions to the public—as the team will do on Wednesday—Klinsmann touched on a number of his chief goals for his tenure.

But perhaps most significant to MLS, Klinsmann outlined a plan to aid the league's national team prospects during the offseason. Thanks to his connections throughout Europe, Klinsmann said that he would help those MLS-based players keep in the national-team picture by staying fit ahead of the annual January camp.

“It’s crucial because we need to get our players up to speed," Klinsmann said. "Maybe we can send guys overseas just for training periods, not for trials. I can just call coaches and have them take this kid or that kid and have them go with the flow, and before Christmas [come back] and in January, he comes back to us.”

Klinsmann conceded that the US would "never reach the global stage" so long as national team prospects were taking two months off prior to camp.

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/30/klinsmann-outlines-plan-help-mlsers-us-picture