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Jurgen Klinsmann has low expectations for U.S. Olympic squad
The 47-year-old believes it will be a tough task for the U.S. to earn a medal next summer in London but he will look to help coach Caleb Porter build a solid roster
Feb 8, 2012 5:55:00 PM
By Mike Slane
Getty Images
Jurgen Klinsmann doesn’t want to raise expectations too high for the U.S. Under-23 team.
With Olympic qualifying right around the corner, Klinsmann says it would be a long shot for Caleb Porter’s young squad to win a medal next summer in London.
“Am I saying I want to see them bring a medal home?” asked Klinsmann, the senior team coach. “I think that would be asking too much if you look at all the teams.”
Klinsmann also believes that the Concacaf qualifying tournament will be difficult when the U.S. open their schedule in March. The top teams in the two groups of four will qualify.
With the U.S. and Mexico in different groups, it is expected that the rivals will meet in the final. Mexico is looking like the early favourite as they have set goals of going undefeated in qualification and earning a medal at the Olympics following a strong 2011.
“I would definitely say we have similar goals as Mexico. We want to go through the qualification as smoothly as possible, which won’t be smooth, I’m sure,” Klinsmann said. “But we want to make a statement there as well. Maybe make a statement to Mexico.”
Each Olympic team will be allowed to have three players over the age of 23 on their roster. While Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore are expected to headline the team, Porter could add Fulham's Clint Dempsey to boost the squad.
“I will feed [Porter] as many as my guys as I can, absolutely,” Klinsmann said.
The U-23 team will play all of their Olympic qualifying group matches at LP Field in Nashville. The team was drawn into Group A and opens against Cuba on March 22. The U.S. faces Canada on March 24 and El Salvador on March 26.
Group B consists of Mexico, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the elimination round in Kansas City.
With Olympic qualifying right around the corner, Klinsmann says it would be a long shot for Caleb Porter’s young squad to win a medal next summer in London.
“Am I saying I want to see them bring a medal home?” asked Klinsmann, the senior team coach. “I think that would be asking too much if you look at all the teams.”
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Klinsmann also believes that the Concacaf qualifying tournament will be difficult when the U.S. open their schedule in March. The top teams in the two groups of four will qualify.
With the U.S. and Mexico in different groups, it is expected that the rivals will meet in the final. Mexico is looking like the early favourite as they have set goals of going undefeated in qualification and earning a medal at the Olympics following a strong 2011.
“I would definitely say we have similar goals as Mexico. We want to go through the qualification as smoothly as possible, which won’t be smooth, I’m sure,” Klinsmann said. “But we want to make a statement there as well. Maybe make a statement to Mexico.”
Each Olympic team will be allowed to have three players over the age of 23 on their roster. While Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore are expected to headline the team, Porter could add Fulham's Clint Dempsey to boost the squad.
“I will feed [Porter] as many as my guys as I can, absolutely,” Klinsmann said.
The U-23 team will play all of their Olympic qualifying group matches at LP Field in Nashville. The team was drawn into Group A and opens against Cuba on March 22. The U.S. faces Canada on March 24 and El Salvador on March 26.
Group B consists of Mexico, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the elimination round in Kansas City.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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