CARSON, Calif. – When the U.S. National Team takes on Panama in the final of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, they may do so without head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
The U.S. headman was sent off by referee Walter Quesada in the closing stages of their 3-1 semifinal victory over Honduras on Tuesday, leaving his status in question for the final on Sunday. Klinsmann’s fate will be decided by a CONCACAF disciplinary committee, who are expected to issue a ruling by Friday.
Following LA Galaxy training on Thursday, Galaxy head coach—and former U.S. boss—Bruce Arena issued his support for Klinsmann. After all, he had to watch the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Panama from the stands after being sent off in semifinal match against Honduras. The U.S. eventually defeated Los Canaleros on penalties back in 2005, but Arena is not keen on the new U.S. manager suffering the same fate that he did.
“I was suspended too. I actually didn't say anything, they got something wrong in that game. Hopefully, U.S. Soccer is lobbying hard enough to get Jurgen back in the game," said Arena. "I have a feeling that he'll be found able to coach in the game somehow. [Late in the match], I don't know think you throw a coach out of a game. I don't think that's necessary, but whatever."
