USA boss Juergen Klinsmann says he is not affected by a potentially harmful media article citing the negative comments of a number of players from his squad.
The Sporting News article suggested that 11 anonymous players criticised the German regarding squad selection, tactics and team harmony ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier with Costa Rica in Denver but the former Tottenham and Bayern Munich striker believes it shows that the sport is becoming more serious in the US.
"What does it mean, 'anonymous quotes?'" Klinsmann said. "That's just part of our environment.
"Journalists and people can say whatever they feel, whatever they think, whatever they believe, which is important. I think it's a great sign, all the debate that is going on about soccer in this country.
"It shows you that people care.
"No, I don't have any problems with [the article]. Obviously I prefer that if you have a problem with me, come to me and talk to me about it.
"The so-called 'anonymous quotes' where we do don't know who said it; is it a player, is it an agent, is it a fan or whoever? But it doesn't distract us from what we're here for or. Our focus is strictly Costa Rica."
