Los Angeles: US skipper Clint Dempsey has been stripped of the captain’s armband for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign following his ban for ripping up a referee’s notebook.
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Thursday he’d spoken to Dempsey, and decided that Michael Bradley would captain the Americans for the tournament, which kicks off next Tuesday.
The change, Klinsmann said, would let Dempsey “focus on what he’s all about”.
“What happened was a mistake, but it was the first red card in his career and a lot of people went at him,” Klinsmann said.
“I think the best thing for everyone right now is to let him concentrate really on playing and doing what he does best.”
