Prost Amerika video columnist Alan Hinton returned from his five-week trip to England ready to share his unleashed opinions. The former First Division winger discussed the state of the English Premier League, positive perceptions of Major League Soccer, upcoming MLS matches, and the U.S. Men’s National Team’s unimpressive performance in the friendly against Brazil.
English Premier League
“The English Premier League is crazy. All the management issues are crazy. The newspapers are vicious and nasty….I wish it were like that in America.”
Hinton’s time in England gave him the opportunity to view the passion and fervor associated with the top professional league in the world. He commented on the non-stop media analysis in newspapers and on television.
Hinton analyzed the early season struggles of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. He continued to insist Manchester City would finish at the top of the EPL table next May.
Major League Soccer
“There’s a lot of interest (by the English media) in Major League Soccer.”
The Derby County midfielder noted the rising level of interest for Major League Soccer. NYCFC’s match against the LA Galaxy received significant press coverage. The game featured two popular ex-EPL players Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
Didier Drogba’s hat trick in his MLS debut match sets up an intriguing matchup this weekend. The former Chelsea forward heads to LA for a Saturday clash against Gerrard and Robbie Keane.
U.S. Men’s National Team
“I still don’t know what he’s (Jurgen Klinsmann) trying to do. He’s nowhere near knowing his best lineup”
Hinton saved his harshest comments for USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Besides his ever-changing lineup, he was perplexed by Klinsmann’s refusal to remove Brad Guzan and insert Tim Howard as his starting keeper.
With the USMNT facing Mexico on Oct. 10 to decide who will represent CONCACAF in the 2017 Confederations Cup, Hinton thought El Tri may the momentum to win next month’s match in Los Angeles.
