101414_isi_bradleymichael_usmntjd101314181 John Dorton/isiphotos.com
MLS and USMNT

Klinsmann Again Laments Bradley Move to Toronto

With the Europe-to-MLS migration patterns clearly established among his player pool, U.S. national team coach discussed Michael Bradley's return to Toronto—and he didn't sugarcoat anything.
BY Jon Arnold Posted
October 14, 2014
8:22 AM
BOCA RATON, Fla.—Jurgen Klinsmann isn’t over it. Oh, he’s accepted it. But he’s still not happy his best players returned to MLS instead of staying with European teams.

Now, he’s watching his players sleep in the bed they’ve made. Clint Dempsey’s club situation seems to be all right. He returned to the Seattle Sounders on a rampage after the World Cup and has torn through defenses on the way to helping his team to one of the league’s best records.

But things haven’t gone as well for Michael Bradley, whose Toronto FC side is all but eliminated from the playoffs. The former ASN 100 No. 1 hasn’t looked his indomitable self since before Brazil.

Unlike most of the team leaders, such as Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Tim Howard, Bradley is still in his 20s and is an expected participant in the 2018 World Cup.

CLICK: IS MLS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR MICHAEL BRADLEY?

When asked where Bradley fits in the experience-youth spectrum that has been somewhat established in the October friendlies, Klinsmann initially praised the player, noting he has 90 caps and saying it’s “outstanding” to reach that number so quickly.

But with Toronto on the outside of the MLS playoff picture, Klinsmann noted it was a “ a huge disappointment that comes along with—you adjust yourself to whatever environment you’re in."

“He had to adjust to the environment he’s with Toronto instead of maybe an environment that plays Champions League football,” the manager said. “So he’s going through that experience now and still coming in now the first time since the World Cup he has to prove that he hasn’t lost a bit. Always able to keep working and pushing, but it’s down to him and his environment to see what level he’s capable to play.”

The manager displayed his typically jovial news conference demeanor but became more animated when asked if Bradley would be able to maintain a high level staying in MLS the next several seasons, reiterating his disappointment with his stars’ returning to their domestic league.

“Concerned? I mean, there’s nothing I can do about it. I made it clear. I made it clear with Clint’s move back and (Bradley’s) move back that it’s going to be very difficult for them to keep the same level that they experienced at the places where they were,” he said. “It’s just reality.

"It’s just being honest, you know?”

While Klinsmann expressed his pride at seeing MLS grow, he also noted he hopes players like Jozy Altidore will push through difficult club situations and arrive at a Champions League level.

“I want everybody to grow in (MLS), but reality also is that both players making that step means that you are not in the same competitive environment that you were before,” he said. “It’s not easy for Michael, and it’s not going to be easy in the future.”

Jon Arnold is an ASN contributing editor and host of the ASN Podcast. Follow him on Twitter.

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