New US coach Bradley wants hard nosed players

CARSON, California, Jan 21 (Reuters) Interim US coach Bob Bradley wants to see his players toughen up and develop a hard-nosed approach to international fixtures.

Bradley, hired last month after intense efforts to sign former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann failed, is also hoping to have his 'interim' tag dropped.

''We need players who understand the international game is competitive, fast and physical,'' he told reporters after winning his debut match against Denmark 3-1 on Saturday.

''I want to make sure when we step on the field we play with energy, passion, life and with an unselfish and hard-nosed mentality.'' The U S are still smarting over their opening-round exit at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The Denmark game was their first since losing 2-1 to Ghana at the finals in June.

Bradley, who faces a difficult test against Mexico on Feb. 7, bristled at his 'interim' tag.

''Regardless of whether I'm an interim coach or not, the cycle is starting for 2010,'' said the 48-year-old, who was Major League Soccer's coach of the year in 2006.

''My job is to do the best I can for US soccer every day.'' Playmaker Landon Donovan said Bradley was cracking the whip behind the scenes.

''Bob wants us to know this isn't D.C. United versus Kansas City,'' said Donovan after netting his 26th goal in his 85th appearance on Saturday.

''He wants us to know it's never going to be easy and he's instilling that attitude in practice as well as games.'' Reuters SAM DB1957