Charlie Davies has a soft spot for Bob Bradley, who brought him into the U.S. men’s national team and wasn’t afraid to leave him out when he hadn’t recovered enough following his horrific car accident before the 2010 World Cup.
With Bradley fired last week by U.S. Soccer and replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann, Davies was deprived of a chance to close the circle with his former coach, but he’s hoping that the door for his international future will remain open.
“[Bradley] gave me the chance to be on the national team and I would’ve liked to get one game under him since the accident,” the D.C. United forward said Tuesday. “We had so much of a history together, it would’ve been nice, but I think he’ll be fine. He’s obviously going to move on and continue to coach. He eats, sleeps and breathes soccer, so I don’t see him staying too long out of the game.”
Despite his eight MLS goals, Davies has been held back by a series of nagging injuries — hamstring, groin, and lately, knee inflammation — and will need to do more to warrant interest from Klinsmann, who is certain to scout and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of dozens of American players over the coming months. But he anticipates that the two will have something in common more than just Klinsmann’s affinity for attacking soccer.
“Klinsmann, for me, is a legend and a world-class striker,” Davies said. “What better coach to have than a guy that plays your position and can really help and make sure everyone excels in that position.”
