While many in the American press are focusing on the shocking and disappointing revelation that Juergen Klinsmann will not be the next head coach of the U.S. national team, Andrea Canales of Soccer 365 points out that Bob Bradley, perhaps more so than other coaches involved in discussions with U.S. Soccer, desperately wanted this job. His coaching career in MLS and before has led him to this point, even though the margin for error was slight. He’s also likely to relish the opportunity to lead the U.S. team and prove his suitability for what looks like a six-month tryout for the long-term job. “Believe me, more than anybody, I’ve learned that the wind blows in different directions,” said Bradley last month on the possibility of coaching the U.S. team. “Some days, [it blows] for you, some days right in your face.” Well, it certainly didn’t seem to be blowing Bradley’s way after many in the press heralded Klinsmann’s possible appointment as a matter of going through the motions. For months, Bradley hasn’t even been considered second or third on the pecking list. However, in his own way, quietly and behind the scenes, Bradley has been influencing the national team for a long time. “I always knew that in little ways I was contributing,” he said. “I always felt good about that. I don’t think that part will change.” Indeed, the willingness of Bradley to take over the post on such short notice is likely to have affected Sunil Gulati’s decision to ask him. For years, Bradley has hedged against the possibility of being awarded the national team post through opt-out clauses in his MLS contracts. Chivas USA, the team he would leave, certainly understood the possibility. “If I lose Bob, it’s for a good reason,” said club owner Antonio Cue in November. Bradley has served as an assistant to former U.S. coach Bruce Arena at Virginia and D.C. United and with the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. In his first year as a head coach, Bradley led the Chicago Fire to the Open Cup and an MLS title. No coach in MLS has won more games.