U.S. men's national soccer team coach Jurgen Klinsmann out

"While we remain confident that we have quality players to help us advance to Russia 2018, the form and growth of the team up to this point left us convinced that we need to go in a different direction. With the next qualifying match in late March, we have several months to refocus the group and determine the best way forward to ensure a successful journey to qualify for our eighth-consecutive World Cup."

Former national team coach Bruce Arena is expected to be named as Klinsmann's replacement on Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the decision told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because Arena's appointment has not been made official.

Klinsmann was in Germany last week to attend a state dinner with President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The trip came at an awkward time following the embarrassing shutout to Costa Rica.

“It is the defeat that hurts the most in my five years, there is no doubt about it,” Klinsmann said after the loss.

He accepted some of the blame for the setback but also indicated he was dissatisfied with the level of fighting spirit shown by his players.

“There is always things that you say you could have done differently,” Klinsmann said. “It doesn’t matter about the system, it is about the compactness of the team. The willingness to fight back — and after the second goal they didn’t have that power or drive to get back in the game. It is a very bitter moment. They were too flat, not enough alertness there, not enough tempo.”

Gulati said then U.S. Soccer would take time to evaluate the situation and speak with Klinsmann before making a decision on his future.

Klinsmann's hiring in 2011 was met with fanfare from fans and Gulati, who called him "a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program."

In 2013 he led the team to 16 victories and a .761 winning percentage, records for the USMNT in a calendar year. That year he agreed to a contract extension and also took on the role of technical director for U.S. Soccer.

One of the biggest controversies of Klinsmann's tenure came on the eve of the 2014 World Cup when he left star Landon Donovan off the roster. Klinsmann said it was "one of the toughest decisions in my coaching career."

Donovan tweeted on Monday: "Never want to see someone lose their job. I have no doubt that this talented group of players will qualify for Russia '18."

Never want to see someone lose their job. I have no doubt that this talented group of players will qualify for Russia '18 #USA ??????

— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) November 21, 2016