CARSON, Calif.—Jurgen Klinsmann is good at being in control, but even the ever-smiling national team coach can't always get his way.

So he's changed his tune just a bit about his American players who have recently made transfers, projecting a relaxed mood the day before a friendly against South Korea.

Perhaps it's because it looks like all of his key contributors will be seeing regular time at their clubs as the World Cup approaches, something that wasn't always sure.

It was Jermaine Jones, who is used to being the source of worry for American fans, who left it the latest this window with the midfielder waiting until the penultimate day of the transfer market to secure a move away from Schalke.

"Jermaine, I've been in contact with him since the transfer window opened up because we knew what was going on at Schalke. I told him, 'You've got to solve that issue, no matter how you've got to get back playing because otherwise you run out of time," Klinsmann said at a news conference Friday.

"Well, he took his time a little bit until almost the last day," the coach continued, while laughing, "but he solved it with the move to Besiktas. It's a good club, it's an international team there, a lot of national team players around him. He gets his playing time right away. He's a guy that's always ready.

"Remember two years ago when he jumped into the January camp because of a red card he was suddenly available for us. Then one day he took basically over and showed everyone that he wants to be the boss on the field. We are pleased with his move because that was really, really crucial because he and Michael Bradley—that's the heart of our midfield. It's good to know that both are in good spots."

Both are in good spots. Both are ready to play. He's happy to see Michael Parkhurst in Columbus, too.

That's all well and good, but it does represent a shift in tone from the man that just months ago said players need to be pushing to get into Champions League clubs. In typical Klinsmann fashion, he looked relaxed as ever when discussing the transfer. If Klinsmann is seething on the inside about not being in control, he's hiding it well.