“No, I don’t see them slowing down,” Klinsmann said. “We do fitness testing every six months at the latest. We would see that curve going downhill, and it’s not going downhill. It’s actually improving because we give them information on what to do in all the different elements of the game.
“If you look after yourself, if you know exactly what you need to do to stay on top of your (game), there’s no difference between 32 and 34,” Klinsmann said. “The moment you get a sense of getting content, of having achieved what you always wanted to achieve, that will show. You will see that.”
The upcoming round of World Cup qualifying will provide a clear idea of just how strong Bocanegra and Cherundolo still are, and whether there are any other players ready to challenge them. For now, their ages do not matter and Klinsmann believes both can still be key options for the 2014 World Cup.
“Absolutely,” Klinsmann said when asked about them being at the 2014 World Cup. “A tournament like the World Cup is always about momentum, about who presents themselves in the best conditions physically and mentally. Hunger and nastiness. All those elements.
“If you are hungry there’s nothing that holds you back.”
