Donovan Cut - is this the end of Landon?

Sure. If the team advances deep into July, I'll flip-flop. At this point, we should expect nothing less.

As Bruce Arena stated, if the US has 23 players better than Donovan then it should win the World Cup.

But anything less, and I'm always going to have that WHAT IF in the back of my mind.

 

Yeah but it was more of the manner of the way it was. Let them exit with grace when it is clear they are not going to make it. Don't make them sit and watch their career end.

 

Saw someone saying this is similar to Argentina not bringing Tevez because the coach hates him. But in Tevez's stead Argentina is bringing Aguero and Higuain and, oh yeah, Messi. In place of Donovan we're bringing Brad Davis and Julian Green. I mean come on. And I don't want to rip Davis and Green, it's not their fault and after this team's inevitable failure they're going to be scapegoated which isn't right. Not Green's fault he's not ready. Not Davis's fault he's just not good enough. Their dopey coach has put them in an impossible spot.

While I don't want to rip Green I will say that promising him a roster spot to switch, which I think we can now say obviously happened, reeks.

 

This long term gain is? Remember, you are having to explain how Donovan being on the roster would make the long term worse than it would otherwise be [or there would be no "gain", eh?]

 

Landon was pretty open about being willing to take a sub role. I doubt that was the issue.

 

Yea I agree about Davis. JK's decision to cut Donovan was clearly fueled by some ulterior motive. I just don't understand how people are blaming Green for Donovan's exclusion when it's becoming more and more evident that the players "in-front" of Donovan had very little to do with him actually being cut.

 

I dunno, man...maybe I'm remembering it wrong, but things were way past this before the confed cup.

Dark, dark days then.

 

This post really makes me think.

 

I don't have any problem with the players. I have a problem with Klinsmann's handling of this, and I definitely have a problem if he guaranteed Julian Green (and/or John Brooks) a roster spot in exchange for getting them to choose the U.S.

I will still be behind the 23 that are in Brazil 100%.

 

That doesn't make sense unless Klinsmann is sacrificing the World Cup. Your statement is unfair to Klinsmann.

He cut Donovan because he sees it as a short-term gain.

 

There is no real gain with LD there. You blood in youngsters, seasoned the next cycle's players and the team will have to adjust to the lack of LD.

 

You have a very short memory if you think this is true

 

Well that's garbage.

I've been on the record saying that Klinsmann put his job on the line with his picks, but that doesn't mean I'm going to cry about them. If he thinks this is the best "TEAM" we can bring to Brazil awesome. Let's see it.

But the idea that we can yell at him if it doesn't go right and celebrate if it does go right is trash. Give the guy a damn shot to prove what he can do, then make a judgement.

And I don't give a damn what Bruce Arena says. He's an idiot. He had his shot with this team and failed miserably. Have the 23 best players isn't the only way to be successful. Sometimes forming the best team is much more important.

 

JK's credibility is clearly shot as well. All this talk of competing, being in shape, the best guys right now, blah blah blah.... clearly Green was promised a spot and didnt have to compete, or be in better shape than everyone else, or be one of the best players. All he had to do was be just good enough.

 

I think he is doing it but never ever say it.

 

No, that's you a) not recognizing what a question mark means and b) putting words in my mouth.

You also fail to understand the definition of "I get the impression" which does not equate to making a "claim".

You also ignored this:

I stand by my opinion this is far more about Landon fitting, or rather not fitting with the group than sheer talent. People can disagree of course, but we're also not in training. There's something behind the scenes which smells.

Which again shows I'm not claiming this is all about entitlement. All you've done is distort my words due to emotion and trolling. Therefor, flagged.

 

I know Brad Davis being there really pisses me off, but I want some credible, definitive sources, otherwise, it's just speculation. It's still News and Analysis, ya know?

 

It is a little unfair on Klinsmann, but he inflicted it on himself.

 

World Cups are every four years, how long do you want?

 

Doubtful this was anything akin to Eddie Johnson's situation. It could have been that Landon wasn't in form. Eddie Johnson, even when in form, is largely useless in meaningful international games.

 

As an ex-American serviceman, and the son of a non-US father, I respect your right to have problems with "these kinds of statements", even if apparently you don't respect my right to have these kinds of statements. Like you, I grew up overseas, and I felt I was American through and through. And I backed up that sentiment with action. Now, what the hell does that have to do with JK pouring in 7 German-Americans, most of whom had played only a light, even non-existent, role in qualifying? Or, even, as in the case of Tim Chandler, had played the USA for a bunch of fools?
If my father had done such similar to that, I would have been ashamed. Actually, the choice in a sense is very much Donovan vs. Green.

 

There will be no sources unless one of the journos gets one. Maybe Lalas or someone spills the beans in coming days or after they crash out but Klinsmann won't admit it was personal.

 

why is everyone bagging on Green? He is the same age as Landon was in 2002, no?

Landon was a known youth player, but he was a bloody starter for our WC team.

It turned out ok. In a way, this is the best way this could have happened. Green takes the mantel.

 

He's a kid. Kind of reminds me of the stories about Kenny Arena circa WC 2006. Apparently he liked Amsterdam, a lot. Stupid, spoiled brat who didn't know well enough to shut up. He may eventually pay a higher price when his father can't include him in team functions anymore because nobody wants him there.

 

I kinda agree with you there. The U.S can't afford to depend on one man any more.