Belgium defender Daniel van Buyten said he's not a fan of U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, despite the Americans defying odds and advancing out of Group G of the World Cup, according to a report.
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"I am not impressed by Klinsmann," Van Buyten told reporters at Belgium's World Cup training base, according to Goal.com. "He is just a coach who knows how to conduct his group and get the maximum out of them by motivating them. The USA will certainly be organized."
Van Buyten's comments may stem from some past resentment from Klinsmann's time as manager at the center back's club Bayern Munich back in the 2008-2009 season. The manager reportedly promised that the Belgian would start in the club's Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon but left him out entirely.
In addition to the 36-year-old's criticism of the U.S. manager, he also said that there might be some mind games at work.
"He talks a lot about us, saying that we are favourites, but I think he thinks otherwise," Van Buyten said. "They will be motivated and want to do everything possible to go into the quarterfinals. But that will also be the case for us. I hope it will be a good match and we will qualify."
Van Buyten believes that Belgium may be at a disadvantage considering the relative youth of the squad. Despite facing some household names in Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Thibaut Courtois, the veteran defender is the only player on the Red Devils roster who has played at World Cup before -- playing in the team's last appearance in the tournament in 2002.
"We are the youngest team at the World Cup, and I try to talk a lot with the young players so that they can be more free," he said. "But it's not always easy to stay cool and calm, and that is the issue. This is the World Cup, it is not obvious.
"But I hope the next game will go well and that the young players are comfortable enough to give the best of themselves."