Jürgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti (Photos by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images and Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
It’s another big soccer weekend ahead with the men’s UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, the Liga MX final (Atlas-Pachuca), the Premier League promotion playoff (aka the Richest Game in Sports, between Huddersfield-Nottingham Forest), Fluminense-Flamengo and a full slate of MLS and NWSL games.But first we’ll have our Friday Newsletter. Feel free below to ask your probing, thoughtful and/or amusing questions about any soccer topic, and I’ll answer the best ones tomorrow. Thank you!
Sunil Gulati. For many years, he was American soccer's walking conflict of interest -- member of FIFA executive committee, president of US Soccer and an executive with the New England Revolution. Now that he has moved on from all of these positions, how do you assess his impact on our game and culture?
What does Aaronson’s $31 million “transfer fee” mean? Who gets the money? Does Aaronson get any of it? Or does he now negotiate a contract with Leeds that is separate from the transfer fee? How much is he likely to make for one season?
Sometimes we hear that Europeans have a negative view of the United States because of, well, events like this week in Uvalde. Does this affect MLS’ ability to recruit European players?
When I was a young American living abroad my Dad took me to Loftus Road to see the nearby Division 2 (now Championship) team and thus I became a QPR supporter. I stream a lot of Championship football. How big is the Championship audience on ESPN+ and individual apps (like QPR Plus) and how big an audience is expected for the Playoff final?
P.S. No moment will ever match the Bobby Zamora playoff final goal!
After the great season futbol just had, will summer be completely boring?
Where do you see USMNT players ending up this summer? Will Steffen, Turner, Pulisic, Adams, Dest, etc., get transfers or loans to get themselves more pitch time in advance of Qatar?
Are you going to Europe to cover the women’s Euros? France, England, Spain, and the Netherlands have to be the obvious favorites, but who’s a dark horse to slip through?
Considering the ownership transfer, will Chelsea be major players in the upcoming transfer window this summer? How should they rebuild their defensive spine, given the presumptive departures of Rudiger and Christensen? Any individuals that you think they might particularly target?
I’m interested to see how the Union and Jim Curtain approach this weekends game vs the Revolution and Bruce Arena. In my opinion Jim is ready to take the mantle from Bruce Arena as the best coach in MLS and to break a 4 game winless streak vs the Revs would go a long way towards earning that recognition. How aggressive in formation and tactics do you think Jim will be this weekend? I think the Union has the squad to attack down the wings.
With the Liga Mx finals taking place today and this weekend, can you can share some of your favorite writers, Twitter follows or other resources for American soccer fans that want to get more into the most popular domestic league?
Which fringe players in the upcoming friendlies/Nations league matches do you think are playing for consideration for Qatar, and which are just there to make up the numbers?
As an international break is upon us, what will define success for the U.S. Men’s Team in the World Cup? Getting out of the Group Stage? Winning a match in the knockout round?
1. Any update on Boston’s chances of being left out? I know that US Soccer toured at least one public space to be a regional or National fan experience HQ.
2. Chances of Koleosho reclassifying to the US program before it’s too late?
Grant - Hope all is well. How do the you think the USMNT would fare against the number 10 in the Premier League - what about Leeds or another team that survived the relegation fight? Thanks
Union Omaha’s run in the USOC is remarkable. And with what Jay Mims has done each season even with roster turnover it’s probably impossible Omaha is able to keep him as manager. Will a struggling MLS club try to snag him away midseason? Or do you think he’s more likely to get a MLS job in the off-season? Any rumors?
What is the likelihood that Pulisic leaves Chelsea on a transfer or loan this summer? Is there anything to the changes with his instagram account (removing mention of Chelsea; twitter account has remained unchanged)? Are there any teams which have been inquiring about him?
What, if any team, could Seattle Sounders beat whenever the next Club world cup happens?
Sunil Gulati. For many years, he was American soccer's walking conflict of interest -- member of FIFA executive committee, president of US Soccer and an executive with the New England Revolution. Now that he has moved on from all of these positions, how do you assess his impact on our game and culture?
What does Aaronson’s $31 million “transfer fee” mean? Who gets the money? Does Aaronson get any of it? Or does he now negotiate a contract with Leeds that is separate from the transfer fee? How much is he likely to make for one season?
Sometimes we hear that Europeans have a negative view of the United States because of, well, events like this week in Uvalde. Does this affect MLS’ ability to recruit European players?
When I was a young American living abroad my Dad took me to Loftus Road to see the nearby Division 2 (now Championship) team and thus I became a QPR supporter. I stream a lot of Championship football. How big is the Championship audience on ESPN+ and individual apps (like QPR Plus) and how big an audience is expected for the Playoff final?
P.S. No moment will ever match the Bobby Zamora playoff final goal!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydNSxxZHI-k
Does American soccer culture deepen or heal US polarization?
Do you think it was wrong for Canada to cancel it's friendly with Iran and could it cost them the Round of 16?
Does it bother anyone else to see national pundits throwing back shots with a guy like Clay Travis on Twitter?
What would be the legacy of the two potential champions of the UCL final be? Who stands to benefit more in terms of winning the title?
After the great season futbol just had, will summer be completely boring?
Where do you see USMNT players ending up this summer? Will Steffen, Turner, Pulisic, Adams, Dest, etc., get transfers or loans to get themselves more pitch time in advance of Qatar?
Are you going to Europe to cover the women’s Euros? France, England, Spain, and the Netherlands have to be the obvious favorites, but who’s a dark horse to slip through?
Considering the ownership transfer, will Chelsea be major players in the upcoming transfer window this summer? How should they rebuild their defensive spine, given the presumptive departures of Rudiger and Christensen? Any individuals that you think they might particularly target?
What is the source of the tension between FIFA and the MLS?
Should the NBA share its revenue equally with the WNBA so that the athletes make the same? True equality in sports?
I’m interested to see how the Union and Jim Curtain approach this weekends game vs the Revolution and Bruce Arena. In my opinion Jim is ready to take the mantle from Bruce Arena as the best coach in MLS and to break a 4 game winless streak vs the Revs would go a long way towards earning that recognition. How aggressive in formation and tactics do you think Jim will be this weekend? I think the Union has the squad to attack down the wings.
What is your take on US Club Soccer sanctioning tournaments for the 6U age groups
With the Liga Mx finals taking place today and this weekend, can you can share some of your favorite writers, Twitter follows or other resources for American soccer fans that want to get more into the most popular domestic league?
Which fringe players in the upcoming friendlies/Nations league matches do you think are playing for consideration for Qatar, and which are just there to make up the numbers?
As an international break is upon us, what will define success for the U.S. Men’s Team in the World Cup? Getting out of the Group Stage? Winning a match in the knockout round?
Questions:
1. Any update on Boston’s chances of being left out? I know that US Soccer toured at least one public space to be a regional or National fan experience HQ.
2. Chances of Koleosho reclassifying to the US program before it’s too late?
Hi Grant… who is your choice for a surprise player to emerge onto the World Cup roster?
Grant - Hope all is well. How do the you think the USMNT would fare against the number 10 in the Premier League - what about Leeds or another team that survived the relegation fight? Thanks
Hey Grant! What are your thoughts on Bayern’s Tillman playing with the USMNT? Added value for this World Cup? Thanks.
why do you think soccer media coverage in America focuses on EPL & MLS when audience (especially on TV) for Liga Mx is larger than both?
Union Omaha’s run in the USOC is remarkable. And with what Jay Mims has done each season even with roster turnover it’s probably impossible Omaha is able to keep him as manager. Will a struggling MLS club try to snag him away midseason? Or do you think he’s more likely to get a MLS job in the off-season? Any rumors?
The CB pairing and 9s are getting much of the attention in the lead-up to the MNT's June matches, but what else will you be looking for?
What is the likelihood that Pulisic leaves Chelsea on a transfer or loan this summer? Is there anything to the changes with his instagram account (removing mention of Chelsea; twitter account has remained unchanged)? Are there any teams which have been inquiring about him?
On a scale of 1-10, how seriously should we take the Messi to Inter Miami rumors?
Starting lineup prediction for usmnt versus Uruguay next week?