Young boys need to be challenged more, says USA coach

“The first thing these boys say is that they want to turn Professional. But frankly saying, they have the least idea about it. It’s a continual process and it requires tremendous hard work and dedication to match the level”, Hackworth said at the pre-match press conference before his team lock their horns with Group B winners Paraguay at the JLN Stadium on Monday.

He went on to say that ‘they have to learn more to make it to the optimum level finally.’

“See, the young fellas need to be challenged more often. Someone like Sargent is already playing in the German league and he’s ready. But some boys need to go through the gradual age-group teams to come up the ranks.”

“If you see the percentage of making into the Senior World Cup from the U-17 World Cup, you’ll find it very minimal. They have to learn a lot and it’s the learning phase for them.”

Josh Sargent has signed a contract with Bundesliga Powerhouse Werder Bremen recently.

Meanwhile, Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah and other vital cogs have already signed contracts with European superpowers akin to Werder Bremen, PSG etc overlooking the Major Soccer League.

Coach Hackworth referred it as an ‘individual choice’.

“6 of these boys have signed professional contracts with MLS clubs but yes, Sargent, Weah have opted to go to the Europe. At the end of the day, it’s their individual choices and I respect that. They have to learn the minutes of the game and that’s what matters actually.”

Since 1986, the USA have been regular in the Senior World Cup but they’re going to give it a miss in Russia 2018.

Hackworth referred it as a ‘void moment for the country.’

“It had an impact on our team but we’ve put together afterwards. The Federation, the fans, the entire nation is very disappointed but it might be a good wake-up call for us. We have to learn from here and we’ll surely”, the 47-year old coach stated.

The match is slated to kick-off at 8 PM.