MANHATTAN BEACH -- No surprise that Martin Vasquez was included in Jurgen Klinsmann's staff for his first two camps as U.S. national team coach. No surprise, either, that his role will be more prominent than has been let on.
The former Chivas USA head coach will serve as Klinsmann's top assistant, the German legend acknowledged Monday, the same role he held during Klinsmann's 2008-09 tenure as Bayern Munich's manager.
“It was something in my mind already decided once I took the job that he will be my right hand ...,” Klinsmann said during a sitdown with L.A.-area soccer media. “It is definitely Martin Vasquez will play that role.”
Vasquez (Alhambra/Alhambra HS and Cal State L.A.), 47, a former midfielder who played for the U.S. and Mexican national teams, was dismissed last October after one season as Chivas' head coach after refusing to demote one of his assistants. He had been an assistant coach for the Goats from 2005 through 2008 and previously was on the Galaxy staff.
Chivas last year went 8-18-4 and finished last in Major League Soccer's Western Conference, not unexpected after the departure of the team's three foremost leaders and other key players.
Klinsmann, who has lived in Orange County since 1998, has an enduring friendship with the Mexico-born Vasquez, who played for four Mexican clubs and two in MLS during a 15-year professional playing career.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/10680/vasquez-is-klinsmanns-right-hand-man
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