United States defender Geoff Cameron said he was sorry to see Jurgen Klinsmann go as U.S. Soccer decided to make a coaching change this week.
Bruce Arena was hired as the new U.S. coach on Tuesday, a day after Klinsmann was fired following back-to-back World Cup qualifying defeats to Mexico and Costa Rica this month.
Cameron missed both games with a knee injury, and he wrote on Twitter that he was disappointed that Klinsmann lost his job.
1) Hurts even more now that I couldn't suit up in our last two qualifiers. Sorry to see Jurgen go.
He did a lot for us as players- Geoff Cameron (@GeoffCameron) November 22, 2016
2)& elevated US Soccer to another level whether people see that or not. I would like to thank him and all his staff. Wish you all the best!
- Geoff Cameron (@GeoffCameron) November 22, 2016
Klinsmann also had the support of some of the fringe players who got their first shot at international experience during his time in charge.
I'm sad to see @J_Klinsmann go. He was a great coach and a great man despite what most people at think at this time. He truly cares about...
- Joshua Gatt (@JoshuaGatt) November 21, 2016
His players. He has brought a lot to this national team and he will be missed. Thank you for your time @J_Klinsmann.
- Joshua Gatt (@JoshuaGatt) November 21, 2016
Winger Joe Gyau said Klinsmann "genuinely cared for the players" and help him secure rehabilitation after a knee injury.
Called me into my first camp ever and started me and I played 90 minutes. Even after I got hurt still checked on me every month for 1.5 yrs
- Joe Gyau (@36finest) November 21, 2016
Landon Donovan, who retired shortly after Klinsmann left him off of the 2014 World Cup squad, was diplomatic in his response to the news on Monday.
Never want to see someone lose their job. I have no doubt that this talented group of players will qualify for Russia '18 #USA ������������
- Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) November 21, 2016
Midfielder Jermaine Jones said the players must accept responsibility for the team's recent results and find a way to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
"He puts the team together but we have to play," Jones told reporters about the coach's role. "I'm a guy where before I put it on the coach or I put it on my teammates, I [look at] myself.
"Of course, I would say it's a bad day for him to have to step away from the team. But it's [about] going forward. ...Now he's done with the American national team but for us, now the focus is concentrating on qualifying and coming out of the group and making sure America goes to Russia."
Even at 35, Jones said he was confident the coaching change would not have an affect on his place in the lineup.
"For myself, I'm 35 but I'm confident," Jones said. "If I'm 100 percent fit, I've showed for a couple years in Europe, I've showed in MLS and I think I've showed obviously with the national team that when I'm fit 100 percent, there's not a lot of people who could take my spot."
