Jurgen Klinsmann Applies Arsene Wenger’s Approach in Leading U.S. National Team

Jurgen Klinsmann is tasked with turning the U.S. Men's National Team into a winner that plays a eye-pleasing style of soccer. The U.S. head coach hopes to achieve this goal using methods he learned from Arsene Wenger, according to Arsenal.com.

The former German international worked with Wenger when he played for French club Monaco from 1992-94. 

"I had a blast when I played for Monaco," he said. "I had two fantastic years with Arsène Wenger. We had a tremendous run in the Champions League when Arsène led us to the semi finals."

Wenger was Monaco's manager during some of the club's glory days. He guided it to a Ligue 1 championship and won a French Cup as well. His reputation as an innovator was established by the time Klisnmann joined the club and the world-champion striker internalized his new manager's philosophy. 

"I learnt a lot from him, especially now for my coaching career," he added. "He was an inspiration and I took a lot of what he taught me."

In 1998, Klinsmann retired from playing and moved to America, where he immediately involved himself in the soccer scene in his adopted country. He commuted to and from his native Germany for the better part of three years (2004-07) as coach of the national team and then Bayern Munich. He returned to the U.S. and was named head coach of the senior national team in July 2011.

As a national team coach, the enthusiastic Klinsmann emphasizes the enjoyable aspects of the game he learned in France. He wants American players to use their athleticism to their advantage. He also encourages them to be creative on offense and rely on their skills. 

"I [I loved] experiencing the style of football in France 20 years ago… a very technical and fast-paced game," he said. "I loved the technical approach of it. It was a formidable experience and I will never forget it."