Rongen’s Dismissal Shouldn’t Be End of Relationship with USNT Youth Development

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: May 17, 2011

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Last week, U.S. Soccer announced it would not be renewing Thomas Rongen's contract as the men's U-20 national team coach.

Naturally, this wasn't Rongen's wish, and he told ESPN.com that he had stated his case for the continuance of his position as manager of the U-20's. He cited stability and recruiting success as major reasons for contract renewal.

Rongen hinted that the USSF weighed a strong winning record over recruiting prowess, and with his team's failure to qualify for the U-20 World Cup, there was little chance he would receive a new contract.

Success with any U-20 national team is difficult, and it is impressive that he managed to keep that position for nine years (with a small stint at Chivas USA).

Most likely, Rongen kept his position because he discovered a number of young players with outstanding potential—players like Clint Dempsey and Stuart Holden.

In fact, his latest group was labeled as his most talented to date.

But his ability to recruit such players was his downfall. With more skill in his side came greater expectations, and finally, he couldn't live up to the hype.

There were flaws to Rongen's philosophy, and perhaps that's the best defense the USSF can claim for Rongen's dismissal.

Rongen searched far and wide for his players, and while he expanded the breadth and talent of the U.S. player pool, his desire to assess as many players as possible left his core group with little time to practice together.

A number of his teams have appeared disjointed, lacking the strong chemistry, confidence, and team philosophy necessary to succeed at the international level—at any age.

Once one considers the importance of instilling a national philosophy, especially in the U-20's since they will become the newest members of the senior side, Rongen's managerial shortcomings become dangerous holes in a national program.

It was more l...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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