Klinsmann responds to Bradley’s “jockeying” allegations

Last week Bob Bradley was hired and introduced as the new manager of Premier League club Swansea City. In his introductory press conference he finally let loose on U.S. Soccer and his replacement in the manager’s chair, Jurgen Klinsmann.

Bradley accused Klinsmann of “jockeying” for his job when he was an analyst with ESPN/ABC during the 2010 World Cup. Today, Klinsmann told ESPN’s Doug McIntyre:

"It's simply not true. I could've taken the job in 2006. I could've taken it in 2010.”

"I was not jockeying anything."

Bradley was named interim manager of the U.S. national team in December 2006 after negotiations fell through for Klinsmann to replace Bruce Arena. Bradley’s interim tag was removed in May 2007, prior to the CONCACAF Gold Cup that summer.

After the 2010 World Cup, Bradley signed a contract extension in August to remain as the head coach through the 2014 World Cup. He was let go by the U.S. Soccer Federation after losing to Mexico in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Klinsmann was hired the following day.

Klinsmann also said to McIntyre:

"It's a big, big moment having an American coach coaching a Premier League club. I think it's huge. He's a awesome guy. He's a good person and I just keep my fingers crossed for him."