Questions over MLS players caused Klinsmann to break off US talks

Klinsmann broke off US talks partly over MLS

BRISTOL, Conn. — Juergen Klinsmann broke off talks to become coach of the U.S. soccer team in 2006 because he wasn’t guaranteed top players the following summer for two preparation tournaments ahead of World Cup qualifying.

The former German national team coach, who will be an ESPN analyst for this year’s tournaments, said talks “weren’t going in the right direction” because there were questions about which players would be made available by Major League Soccer for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa America.

The U.S. Soccer Federation then hired Bob Bradley in December 2006.