Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com
Jurgen Klinsmann is under a little bit of heat overseas for one of his recent personnel decisions.
According to reports out of the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek criticized Klinsmann for calling up Jozy Altidore for the United States' friendlies against Costa Rica and Belgium.
The reports state that Bob Bradley had agreed with Verbeek to not call up Altidore for these fixture dates while he was still at the helm, and Verbeek was upset that the agreement was not honored when Klinsmann took over. Given that the dates are official FIFA international fixture dates, Klinsmann had no reason to not call up the players he wanted to see, but AZ is concerned about the amount of travel and minutes logged by its starting forward.
Altidore started and played 63 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on Friday and is available for selection for the match against Belgium. AZ's technical director, former U.S. international Earnie Stewart, is expected to meet with Klinsmann in Belgium to smooth things over.
What do you think of this development? Think Verbeek has a right to be upset? Should Klinsmann have not called up Altidore or compromised and only called him up for the Belgium match?
Share your thoughts below.
