Former national team superstar Landon Donovan blasted Jurgen Klinsmann anew, saying that the coach should be fired if the United States Men's National Team loses to Guatemala on Tuesday.
Donovan said that there is no more reason for Klinsmann to stay if the USMNT suffer another debacle in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The USMNT legend revealed that some players are getting disappointed because of Klinsmann's coaching style.
"The sense I get, and I talk to a lot of the players, is that there's no confidence because there's no stability," Donovan said during his appearance on Soccer Morning via Fox Sports. "If you can't beat Guatemala at home in a World Cup qualifier then you probably shouldn't be the coach. It's as simple as that."
Jimmy Conrad also took a swipe at Klinsmann, saying that Klinsmann is hurting the confidence of his players because of his constant lineup changes, including playing players out of their natural position.
"The guy in charge gives mixed messages, plays guys out of position, throws players under the bus in the press after the game, never starts the same lineup twice in a row, and never holds himself accountable," Conrad said.
The USMNT started their WCQ campaign with a huge 6-1 win over St. Vincent but settled for a scoreless draw against Trinidad & Tobago in their next match. And on Friday, Klinsmann and his squad took a humbling 2-0 loss to Guatemala, who won for the first time against the USMNT in 21 years.
If the USMNT absorb another defeat to Guatemala, their chances of qualifying to the 2018 FIFA World Cup will not solely be on their hands. But despite the criticisms and doubts about their ability to earn a ticket to Russia in 2018, Klinsmann remains confident that they will get the job done.
"We always said World Cup qualifying is a long road, a tricky road, a difficult road," Klinsmann said via ESPN. "If you lose it makes it more difficult. Nothing is given to you for free, you have to work hard and get your points. We have to take responsibility for it but we are confident we will get there."
