Tab Ramos on American soccer's nice guy problem, Klinsmann's impact, the greatest ever USMNT, building beyond the World Cup (Soccer 9/24)

Kickin' It

Three-time World Cup participant and National Soccer Hall of Famer Tab Ramos joins Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey and Charlie Davies to talk about his playing and coaching careers, as well as his views on the state of the American game.

Closing the gap (01:35): The 1990 team’s World Cup impostor syndrome, witnessing U.S. Soccer’s gradual move towards professionalism, building a culture and connection between youth players and USMNT, issues with the American player’s mentality.

Coaching (10:00): America soccer is “too nice,” Uruguay's baby fútbol, becoming a coach, empowering players to analyze their own performances.

Immigrant story (19:51): Adapting to life in the U.S., pay-to-play and developing coaches, picking the best guys for the USMNT, time wasted after 2022 World Cup.

Foreign coach (29:10): Jürgen Klinsmann brought change but faced obstacles, the special 2014 team, message to the current USMNT, Tyler Adams stood out, dealing with long-term injuries.

Going mainstream (43:17): Inspiring a youth Clint, Scottie Pippen commercial, hopes for soccer’s growth post-2026 World Cup, owing a debt to Thomas Rongen.

Kickin’ It is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you listen to podcasts.

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Follow the Kickin’ It team on Twitter: @CBSSportsGolazo, @kate_abdo, @CharlieDavies9, @MauriceEdu, @clint_dempsey

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