A number of people at BigSoccer are hoping that Klinsmann’s email is a hardball negotiating tactic. No way. Here is what Klinsmann sent the press:

"Sunil [Gulati] and I have concluded our discussions about the U.S. men’s national team program, and I have withdrawn my name from consideration as coach. I’m not going to go into details about our conversations. But, I certainly want to wish the next coach of the U.S. men’s national team much success, and I want to, also, thank Sunil for the opportunity to exchange ideas."

It’s one thing to say you aren’t interested in a job when you really are because of timing or other sensitive issues, only to take it when the time is right. But the statement above about withdrawing his name is pretty clear cut. The only way out is to have US Soccer absolutely grovel and I just don’t see that happening, especially with multiple sources saying Bradley is on deck.

I would love to be proven wrong, but it’s wishful thinking that this is negotiating.