From Gus Martins at the Boston Herald: Hernandez said he remains mystified by coach Bruce Arena's decision and hasn't been called into any other camps. ``To this day I'm speechless to the situation,'' he said. ``I thought that when I was there I had a pretty good week and the comments from the coach were positive, and then I didn't get to dress for the game. So I don't know if that's a bad sign or what... Hint to Danny - it probably isn't a good sign. It couldn't have been enough to make or break me. It was only a week and we didn't have any practice games against another team. So I think it's kind of hard to evaluate a player under those terms.'' ...Danny's never been to an ODP tryout. ...Hernandez, who has citizenship in both the United States and Mexico, said he would also consider trying to make his way onto the Mexican national team if it appears his chance of playing for the U.S. team wanes. ...Um, sure. Ever hear of a kid named Torrado? He's better than you. I've been a fan of Hernandez in the past, and I've even been an advocate on these boards and elsewhere that he get a look in camp. But short of saying, "It's not fair," or "Whaaa!" Hernandez shows a lack of class here. I have always liked his skill, but his attitude is a perennial concern, and I could easily see him developing into one of those cancers that Bruce doesn't stick with. Furthermore, with Pablo, Mulrooney, and Vagenas getting consistent call-ups, it appears that Bruce is setting his order for the only position Hernandez could play for the US. His spot on the depth chart goes down another rung if Armas returns to health and form. Adios, Danny.
Agreed. He simply answered the apparent question. He didn't slam Arena or IMO cry about it. A week is not a lot of time to evaluate a player and maybe Arena will explain his decision to Daniel in the near future -- or call him up again.
Indeed adios... While it may be true that a week isn't a long enough time period to evaluate the potential talent in a player, it probably is long enough to get a feel for how a player will deal with adversity and how preparded they are to fight for a position. I've no idea how well he performed in practice (as I've not seen him at all), but from the sounds of it, it seems like he feels he should have gotten more of a chance to show his skills. *IF* he came into camp not as fit as possible *AND* didn't work as hard as he possibly could, then I could see why he wasn't put in. Hunger is one of the things I think Bruce wants to see. Desire and will above and beyond what is normally expected. A win at any cost attitude. Fighters. Sometimes things don't go your way. Don't make excuses, fight harder. Based on what I've read (admittedly very little), Hernandez doesn't have this. He seems to be somewhat of a primma donna, kind of like he's been told all his life he's a good soccer player and thus he expects breaks as a result. Well at this level, you make your breaks. If this is indeed his situation the question becomes why bother any further with him? When actors and actresses try-out for parts, they usually only get one chance to impress. Trying out for the USMNT probably isn't that different (except that excellent league play will probably catch Bruce's eye later on down the line). Is it fair? Not really, but that's life.
His response also doesn't show an understanding of how Bruce usually works players into his rotation. The standard operating procedure is to inivite, watch in practice and leave the player in camp the first time they are there. The first visit is sort of a personal "get a look". Then the player goes back to his club and if they do well gets another callback at a later time at which time they MIGHT make the bench, then into a brief sub role (see Steve Ralson) and so on. This is adjusted by needs, do we need a starter, a backup, nobody in particular at this position? Urgency, are we playing Costa Rica in qualifying and we don't have a healthy right back in camp this week? and so on. The point is that unless pressed by urgent needs Bruce seems to like to invite players into camp to get a first hand look long before he is ready to give them starting time on the field. Now, I don't know what was said to Danial before, during, or after the camp so I don't know the context of his answer. On the other hand, it may be just making a mountain out of a mole hill, Bruce will watch him and if he continues to play the way he did in the Revs playoffs run he'll get some more looks but as others have noted, there are a number of pretty good guys already in line for his only position. SJB
I like the way Danny played for the Revs in their play off run last year and with the Metros (other than 2002). I do not know if he has what it takes on the field to be on the USMNT but I would have liked to see him get a fair shot against El Salvador, Argentina, or Jamaica to find out. I am guessing that the reason he is not getting a chance is because of his personality. Was is Steve Nicol that said that DH is not happy unless he is sad?
"To this day I'm speechless." He did a little more here than just answer the question, and my guess is that Bruce noticed. I don't think Mr. Hernandez is out of the picture just yet, but he's certainly not doing himself any favors with comments like that.
Hernandez has always impressed me physically, and I think that he does have the potential to play with the USMNT at some point... I am sure that he feels pretty frustrated, but I don't know how much you can draw from his comments. I don't think that what he said will be necessarilly construed in a negative way by Bruce. He is obviously eager to play for the US, and I don't think that he is threatening to go to Mexico or anything. Obviously he wasn't given any explination as to what was going on with his international career. I am sure that if I was him I would have the same feelings. It would be a HUGE dissappointment to play through a week of camp without dressing for any of the following games. I would have to assume that Bruce will cap him later this year, unless he really doesn't like him. Danny in no question one of the best young talents in the MLS, and surely deserves a real shot. There is plenty of time left for that.
What sort of int'l experience does Hernandez have? Did he ever play for the US U-teams? If not (and, again, I have no idea), Bruce might be a little concerned about that lack of int'l exposure. I mean, how many times did you hear Arena talk about the Arg/Jam games, being so close together, the style of play, and the hostile crowd (especially in Jamaica but, well, you know ...) as mimicing what we'll face in Qualifying. Mostly, though, is that how you spell "mimicing?"
Nick Garcia had similar comments on MLSnet.com right before the last round of matches that he was involved in. Now maybe its because he already knew he was being called in, who knows. On the other hand maybe it said something to BA, and got him called in. I'd believe the first before the later.
Re: Indeed adios... This is a lot of speculation on your part. Hernandez said: "``To this day I'm speechless to the situation,'' he said. ``I thought that when I was there I had a pretty good week and the comments from the coach were positive, and then I didn't get to dress for the game. So I don't know if that's a bad sign or what... " He got positive comments from the coach, but didn't get to dress for the game. That, in itself, is a little perplexing. I'm not making a case for Hernandez being selected, but one can see why he would be puzzled. He doesn't slam Arena. He just wonders why he wasn't picked and what it means. "It couldn't have been enough to make or break me. It was only a week and we didn't have any practice games against another team. So I think it's kind of hard to evaluate a player under those terms.'' His point is valid. You can't evaluate a player in one week. And apparently during said evaluation, he got positive comments from Arena. So the evaluation couldn't have been too bad. There is no slamming of the coach. There is no harsh criticism. Hernandez is merely pontificating about his future with the MNT when asked. My guess is that he will get another look in the future. He never struck me as a game-breaker, btw.
He said "To this day I'm speechless to the situation", which is different than being just "speechless". The latter is more aimed at the coach.
I'd like to see DH get more time with the nats and see where it goes. I'd take him before Mulrooney or Vaegnas. I have a hard time seeing him make it though with Armas and Pablo there unless he can exhibit some flexibility on where he plays on the field.
I am a Rev fan, but you know what- I don't think Hernandez in Nat caliber. He is just not quick enough to play serious international soccer.His free kicks are nice but he would struggle like hell in free play.
Well we will see what happens. My reaction is that I guess because Arena makes it a habbit to almost never evaluate his players in the press that he won't be happy with Hernandez going to the press with these issues. Of course, it may be that Arena doesn't rate Hernandez anyway and it is a completely moot point.
Danny I like a couple of things about Danny: Especially for physical Guatemala & Mexico type games where a bit of punishment gets dished out: 1 - He's big - 6'2 2 - He's tough - he can mix it up with gringo 'enforcers' 3 - He's strong - can't be pushed around a whole lot 4 - He's fearless - He'll mark anybody at any level, (he could be a little quicker) 5 - He's ball winner and a decent, (could stand improvement), passer 6 - He understands positioning, (needs international experience) to bear this out at a higher level 7 - He plays with passion, (but could improve) 8 - He plays for the whole 90 I trust Bruce willcall him back, and uses him in a couple of physical games so he has an opportunity to prove himself I don't really care about his off the field verbal skills Wish him luck - he could be a good one
SJB: Excellent point. Bruce even did what you describe, iirc, with Pablo Mastoeni, much to the dismay of all us 'experts'. Nutmeg: I don't think you can say "adios Daniel" just yet, at least not based on Bruce's recent history. Didn't a very large US goalkeeper with an Ohio/England accent moan in the press that he might leave the team if he didn't start for the US in Korea? Bruce doesn't care about the press, he only cares about BigSoccer's USMNT: N&A forum.
Just for the record, Hernandez is 26, so I'm not sure he counts as a "young talent." He'll turn 27 midseason.
I think if he'd played well all season last year, he'd be higher on the call-up list. But he didn't. After arguably being one of the Metros' top four or five guys, if not better, in 2001, the team gave up on him in '02. He contributed to the Revs late run, but I don't know if that handful of strong games was quite enough for Arena. It wasn't enough for me. The thing that leaves me speechless is his play for the Metros in '02. Even DH supporters among Metro fans became disillusioned.
Re: Re: Danny "Slow" is a very bad trait at the international level, however, if you have other qualities to balance it out, you may still be good enough. For example, Carlos Llamosa, Greg Berhalter, Ante Razov, et al. Not saying Daniel is good enough, however. In fact, he probably isn't.