READ THIS: SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS Jürgen Klinsmann, Coaching the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and the Quest for the World Cup by Erik Kirschbaum Our Coverage Sponsored by Paul Mayer Attitudes
Soccer has made it in the United States. The potential of this great country is unlimited. There are still challenges ahead, but we’re moving in the right direction. SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS captures the spirit of the changing environment, and I hope it'll provide more knowledge about the growth of this fantastic and extremely emotional sport."
—Jürgen Klinsmann
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"To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble."
-Mark Twain
“It makes me furious whenever I see someone not giving 100%.” –Jürgen Klinsmann
We like this guy! With a statement like that, he should go to Boston College #evertoexcel…S
occer without Borders is the representation of not only the rise of soccer in America, the goal of Jürgen Klinsmann’s life, but also a superlative tale of the American dream being reached, which he has.
In the current time of Olympics where sports unite the world which experiences such deep divide because of poor political decisions and horrific terrorism, soccer, along with all sports, deserves to be celebrated because of the simple joy and unity it provides as a major positive in the world, where any fights will be called by the appropriate referee (and hopefully his name is Paul Rejer.)
Soccer is clearly on the upswing in America, and women’s soccer in particular leads the way along with NYCFC in New York City (are you reading MLS PEACHY!). We would have liked to have seen more concentration on women’s soccer in this book. For the record, Peachy is not that young; when she was growing up and still today in her town in Connecticut soccer was a huge hit and everyone played, including her.
This book is not written by Jurgen Klinsmann; it is written by Erik Kirschbaum, whom we understand has interviewed Jurgen dozens of times and has written about soccer for 20 years.
Though we value his total commitment to excellence, we’d disagree with Klinsmann on college soccer. Nothing is more important than your education. College is first and foremost an academic pursuit and sports are secondary; also you should know there are not many people that sing the praises of college athletics like we do. Peachy wrote on collegiate sports professionally when she was IN college herself. Also we do believe professional sports all should have a season and none of them should be 11 months of the year for games, although certainly the training should encompass that time span.
Jurgen’s personal story is one to be appreciated by all that have a goal and work to achieve it. His modest German beginnings included working in his father’s bakery (and if soccer didn’t work out, he could quite possibly become a baker) and a life-changing moment at age 15 when he made the national team. His value of punctuality and precision is to be admired and evidences why he was captain from 1994-98, winning two titles as an international player. Klinsmann's immense insight into this beloved sport is fantastic to learn about through Kirshbaum's pen, and Whom You Know recommends Soccer Without Borders.
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It’s not every day a coach gives away his secrets.
SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS by Erik Kirschbaum presents Jürgen Klinsmann’s 10-step plan to making the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team the best in the world. But be warned: this program is not for the impatient or faint of heart. World champions are not built in a day, and Jürgen Klinsmann thinks long-term—planning years, decades, even generations ahead. Journalist Erik Kirschbaum has been granted unprecedented access to document Klinsmann’s journey, after a decade of dogged pursuit.
What emerges is a portrait of one of the most spirited leaders in U.S. sports. Klinsmann is known for his unconventional methods and outspoken nature, and SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS is the first definitive English-language look at the man who has what it takes to lead the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team to ultimate victory.
SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS takes readers through Klinsmann’s career as a player and coach, revealing a man of unswerving dedication, now with a singular vision: to aid the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team in winning the World Cup and to develop a soccer program as formidable as Europe’s best. His methods are controversial, his blunt discourse raises eyebrows, and his every move is scrutinized. Yet there is no denying that Klinsmann knows what it takes to win.
SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS is an immersive and unparalleled road map for how to build a winning team in the most competitive professional sport on the globe, as well as an infectious tribute to "the beautiful game" by one of its most adroit students.
ERIK KIRSCHBAUM has worked for Reuters, the Los Angeles Times, and other newspapers from Europe since 1989. A native of New York City, he grew up in Connecticut and studied history and German at the University of Wisconsin. He has covered World Cups and Olympics, and is the author of Burning Beethoven: The Eradication of German Culture in the United States during World War I, Rocking the Wall: Bruce Springsteen: The Berlin Concert That Changed the World, and Swim and Bike and Run: Triathlon — The Sporting Trinity.
SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS
Jürgen Klinsmann, Coaching the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and the Quest for the World Cup
Picador Hardcover/ ISBN: 978-1-2500-9831-3/ 400 pages
eBook ISBN: 978-1-2500-9833-7
Klinsmann’s Ten-Point Plan:
Change the mentality: Bringing the signature American “never-say-die” attitude and style against teams normally seen as invincible.
Change the youth programs and start early: Offer affordable youth soccer programs, clearing the way for talented players from all economic backgrounds.
Open up to more players: Open borders mean better players. Mine immigrant communities in the States and recruit players with dual citizenship from overseas.
Change the programs, connect the dots: Unite the various youth academies and leagues across the country and funnel top level talent to play for the national team.
Get experience abroad: In many countries, soccer is 24/7. These communities offer valuable social accountability that can potentially make American players sharper, faster, and capable of someday winning the World Cup.
Help the MLS reach its goal to be one of the top leagues in the world: Increasing the competitive intensity from day one of the season until the end will sharpen players’ skills.
Tap the fan culture: The U.S. soccer fan base is an untapped source of support. Use the fans to rally the players.
Think long term and have a multi-cycle plan: Easy come, easy go. There’s no quick fix to the U.S. soccer problem. Winning a World Cup against the best teams in the world won’t happen overnight. Klinsmann’s long-term methods have put the team on the right track.
Think global: Soccer is a global game. The US can’t approach the World Cup like it’s the Super Bowl. Players—and fans—must think on a global level.
Change the playing style: U.S. Soccer players must act, not react, and create opportunities for their team to win.
