12/21/24
May 22, 2014
Landon Donovan Left Off World Cup Roster: The United States World Cup roster is officially set, and coach Jurgen Klinsmann has left off Landon Donovan, the most accomplished player in U.S. men's soccer history. The 32-year-old has 156 caps and scored five World Cup goals. "The other guys are a little ahead of him," Klinsmann said after announcing the final roster. "He did everything right, He was always positive. His disappointment is huge, totally understand that. He took it very professional."
I had heard some rumblings that this might happen. I'm not sure it effects the USMNT's chances all that much but it really makes me sad.
posted by tron7 at 10:54 AM on May 23, 2014
I thought we'd get at least one more World Cup out of Landon Donovan. This feels to me like a personality driven decision instead of an on-field one. If there's a shortage of goals next month Klinsmann is gonesmann, contract or not.
posted by rcade at 11:33 AM on May 23, 2014
Oh well Landon. We'll always have this.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 11:39 AM on May 23, 2014
With Landon or without him, I think getting out of the group is a pretty huge ask, but I'm disappointed. I also think it's more about off-field than on-field, and I'm more inclined to think that Klinsmann is putting his personality ahead of the team than that Donovan would have done that. Will removing him from the squad heal any sort factional issue in the dressing room or will it create one (or neither, I guess)?
posted by sbacharach at 01:23 PM on May 23, 2014
Jurgen Klinsmann's Son Deletes Twitter Account After Laughing at Landon Donovan
posted by BornIcon at 01:28 PM on May 23, 2014
That's one hell of a self-introduction to U.S. soccer, Jonathan Klinsmann.
posted by rcade at 04:56 PM on May 23, 2014
Mr. Hudson would like to say a few words.
posted by beaverboard at 12:37 PM on May 24, 2014
This was certainly a big surprise. It's generally accepted that come playoff time, experience is worth a lot. If that is true, I don't think it's unreasonable to think that his experience and leadership may have been worth more to the team than his play--though I don't think his play has dropped him to the level of a liability. Donovan has been great for US soccer, and I certainly hope we hear plenty more from him in the future.
All that said, I'm not terribly interested in second-guessing Klinsmann at this point. I'm sure he has considered the ramifications of dropping Donovan, and I'm hopeful that someone like Michael Bradley could fill the leadership role. I wonder who will wear #10?