But after following up Friday's 1-0 win over Costa Rica in snowy Denver with Tuesday's second ever draw for the U.S at Mexico's Azteca Stadium in a qualifier, Klinsmann has answered many of the doubters.
"We're on the right track here," the U.S coach told reporters after Tuesday's 0-0 draw.
"We had so many challenges over the last 10 days in terms of injuries, in terms of players not available," Klinsmann said.
"After the Costa Rica game they were completely exhausted from playing in the snow blizzard. Then we had another two players out [in Jermaine Jones and Clarence Goodson].
"So this group has shown they are ready for those challenges and they deserve a huge compliment."
The German coach was also unable to call on Landon Donovan, the U.S' all-time top scorer who is just about to return to club footbll after an extended break and his captain Carlos Bocanegra was left out due to a lack of games at club level.
"This is still a team that over the years has shown that when big moments come, when the spotlight comes on brightest that's something we relish," midfielder Michael Bradley said.
"Last week the build-up to Costa Rica... things go on, on the outside of the team, that try to disrupt the inside of the team.
"I felt every guy did a really good job of maintaining a strong focus," he added.
"We still have lot of things to improve on but when you look at the mentality of the team and what it look likes when we step on the field I think there is still a lot to be proud of."
He also noted that the excellent performances of young central defenders Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler owed much to the time they had spent as part of Klinsmann's off-season January camp for MLS players.
