Riding the wave of enthusiasm after bringing the German team within a hair of the World Cup championship this summer and then riding his shiny BMW off into the Californian sunset, Jürgen Klinnsman's next move became a subject of heated speculation. Would he chill on the beach, start a cult, join Scientology, get his own talk show (OK, nobody mentioned that one) or look for another challenge like, say, helping the Americans get their own game together. Pundits and fans alike were certain that Klinsi's next calling would be to guide the U.S. soccer team out of it's 30-year wilderness when the dismissal of disgraced coach Bruce Areana left the top spot open after the summer. Rumours became reality when negotiations between USSF president Sunil Gulati and Klinsmann were confirmed in October. His leadership would invigorate the American team, so went prevailing wisdom, as the shiniest international star since Pele was imported in 1977.

Alas, it is not to be. Last week, just before his appointment was expected to be announced, Klinsi abruptly withdrew his name from the running, revealing little other than truisms (and more rumours) about being grateful for the "opportunity to exchange ideas." Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley was quickly appointed for the interim (ussoccer.com interview with Bradley via podcast). Klinsman remains tight-lipped about the decision though some sources imply he was asking for too much pay (USD 2 million, for example) or control of the team--both unsatisfying explanations. Regardless, it marks a missed opportunity for American soccer and leaves one wondering just what went so wrong at the negotation table when things were looking so right.