Former German international striker and legend Jurgen Klinsmann, who was named the USA national team coach, has praised his former manager Arsene Wenger ahead of his first game in charge for the Americans as they take on France on French soil.
Klinsmann who was known as the man who brought diving in the box to the Premier League when he played at the scum from across the way at White Hart Lane, played under Wenger during a two year spell from 1992 – 1994, during which he reached the semi finals of the Champions League – then the European Cup.
Speaking on his time under Arsene Wenger Klinsmann affectionately said:
“I had a blast when I played for Monaco,” said Klinsmann. “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.”
“I learnt a lot from him, especially now for my coaching career, he was an inspiration and I took a lot of what he taught me.”
“[I loved] experiencing the style of football in France 20 years ago… a very technical and fast-paced game. I loved the technical approach of it. It was a formidable experience and I will never forget it.”
“I am hoping that Arsène will come to the game on Friday and that he will come for a coffee in our hotel before.”
“I got in touch the other day with the Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis, who used to be the vice-president of the MLS. So it’s a small world.”
Klinsmann, has always said that he adapted Wenger’s style of play when he was the German national team manager, and it showed in the way they played and changed their style, introducing an attacking style they still use today, as well as more emphasise on a national team youth policy, he is hoping that he can turn the USA into a major force in international football.
