Klinsmann: We have to fix things
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USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann wants his squad to play smarter and simpler after a stinging 2-1 loss atJamaica in their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying match.
It was the first USA loss to the Reggae Boyz in 19 matches, although the Americans have never won in Jamaica.
"Every time we played simple passing and combined, we created chances," said Klinsmann. "In between those moments we just made things far too complicated."
Tottenham Hotspur forward Clint Dempsey scored only 36 seconds into the match, the fastest goal inUSA's FIFA World Cup qualifying history. But the Caribbean side answered with goals by Rodolph Austin in the 23rd minute and Luton Shelton in the 62nd.
I think it's clear to the players that in certain moments you just need to be a little bit smarter.
Jurgen Klinsmann, USA coach
"A couple of things went wrong," Klinsmann said. "Having that lead maybe gave players the feeling they can play the complicated way. I told them at half-time this is not the way it works. You've got to keep things simple on the field.
"We have to fix it now. We have to fix it back in Columbus and I think it's clear to the players that in certain moments you just need to be a little bit smarter."
The Americans will face Jamaica in a rematch on Tuesday in what is now a crucial match with regards to advancing into next year's final round of regional FIFA World Cup qualifying.
"The good thing about the situation now is that we can repair things in four days," Klinsmann said.