Bob Bradley: Klinsmann was 'jockeying' for USMNT job when I was still coach
Swansea City manager Bob Bradley took a swipe at U.S. men's national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann on Friday, saying the German was "jockeying" for his current job while Bradley was still coaching the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup.
Bradley made the comments in his introductory press conference at Swansea, which hired Bradley earlier this week.
After the American coach was hired by the Premier League side, Klinsmann called Bradley's move to Swansea "fantastic" and touted the American manager's experience, saying he "deserves" the role. On Friday, Bradley was asked about Klinsmann's praise.
"From the day I got fired by the U.S., I have not said one thing publicly about their team, all right? I don't appreciate the way it was done—I think they made a mistake," Bradley said. "I'm glad that Jurgen says some nice things now. When he did commentary on the 2010 World Cup, he was already jockeying for the job.
"So I’ve shut my mouth, and continue to support the team. Because I of course want to see the team do well. Michael’s the captain. So if he has said something in a nice way, I appreciate it. And if at some point he chooses to try to work again outside the U.S., I wish him the best."
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Bradley, who is the father of U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley, guided the United States to the round of 16 at the World Cup, but he was fired the following year and replaced by Klinsmann, who served as an analyst for ESPN during the World Cup in South Africa. Klinsmann previously managed Germany, but had lived in the United States for a number of years before he was hired to replace Bradley.
Bradley is the first American to manage a Premier League side, but he downplayed his nationality during Friday's press conference.
"I'm not an American manager, I'm a football manager," Bradley said.
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Bradley was also asked about Klinsmann's fit as a possible manager for England. Klinsmann has flatly denied any mutual interest, but rumors linking him to the job haven't ceased.
Bradley said he felt England should hire someone from inside the country rather than looking to a foreign manager.
"I think you have some very good coaches in England. And I think there are times that it makes sense to go outside the country for a national team coach," Bradley said. "But actually, in England, I think you’ve got to get the right guy from inside."
Bradley will make his managerial debut with Swansea City on Oct. 15 at Arsenal.
