Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis recently returned from what was basically a fact-finding mission to Germany. It was also part of what appears to be a growing relationship with the U.S. National Team boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

It was Klinsmann who aided in RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman in joining FC Kaiserslautern for training sessions.

Also, Kreis, who led RSL to the third best record in MLS and the Western Conference Championship this past season, not only found a few ways to tweak his own training regimen but came away with more confidence.

"They are doing basically the same things that we’ve been doing here for several years,” Kreis said on ESPN 700. “It really kind of put my mind at ease a little bit.”

Thanks to Klinsmann, Kreis was able to observe several Bundesliga teams. RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman’s recent training stint at FC Kaiserslautern,

Kreis has attempted this trip before but couldn't get past the cloak-and-dagger elements of big time soccer. Despite knowing the right contacts, including former deputy commissioner of MLS Ivan Gazidis at Arsenal, Kries wasn't allowed on the training grounds.

"Apparently its top-secret stuff in England right now," Kreis said. “This opportunity came about and I just asked Jurgen if he might be able to put it together, and he came through big-time for me... I’m just thankful to him for doing that.”

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