Julian Green has spoken for the first time about why he switched international soccer affiliation to the United States, and while his answers to Ole Pongratz and FOX Soccer doesn’t reveal very much new information, it does address lingering suspicions about the 18-year-old’s involvement at this summer’s World Cup. While some will still wonder whether Jurgen Klinsmann has guaranteed the Bayern Munich prospect a spot in Brazil, the Tampa, Fla.-born attacker said “Guarantees never exist” while explaining his club affiliation could help his case.
In an interview posted late Thursday, Green said he had been in touch with the German soccer federation before making his final decision, contact that included getting an assessment on his future from national team assistant Hansi Flick. Green ultimately chose to play for the U.S. after establishing a comfort level with Klinsmann, explaining that his decision was “not a decision against Germany, but a decision for the USA.”
From FOX’s post, on whether Green was told he’d be going to Brazil:OP: What are the chances of jumping onto the USA World Cup roster? We understand Klinsmann did not guarantee you a slot, correct?
JG: Guarantees never exist. No, I just want to perform, show my stuff, and if I’m there, I am there. I just want to step on the gas and in the end, we’ll see.
There’s more in FOX Soccer’s brief Q-and-A with the U.S. hopeful, much of which affirms what we already knew: Green trained with the U.S., developed a level of comfort with the team, then switched after discussions with Klinsmann and the DFB. He’ll be in camp ahead of the Apr. 2 Mexico friendly, expects to play, and he hopes to go to the World Cup.
Perhaps the interview doesn’t shed much light on the move, but it does address the idea that Green’s international affiliation came with a guarantee of a spot in Brazil. Whether that convinces skeptics is another discussion entirely.