Donovan Cut - is this the end of Landon?

Yeah, Donovan was terrible against Mexico in the game that sealed our qualification. What a dog.

His form has been way off -- that is a fact.
But he is still better and more valuable than several other players selected. I respect JK's long term vision and tournament philosophy. I disagree with this choice and hope he doesn't need a game changer with 20 minutes to go.

But I think it will prove costly to us in Brazil.

 

Donovan deserved to be there. I'm taking a long break from this forum. Bye.

 

You clearly must be watching how Julian Green lit up 4th division German football.

 

Did you see how fit he was for Honduras then turned down invites when he was healthy.

 

It seems to me like they aren't buying in to Klismann in LA. Bruce Arena has been very critical of Klinsmann in the press and hasn't exactly cooperated with Jurgen during the cycle. Alexi hasn't exactly been supportive of Jurgen in the press. He has been extremely critical of Klinsmann.

I think the boys in LA are trying to prove that we didn't need to change the American style of soccer.

 

That's a legitmate way to look at it. And Klinsmann might be wrong. But the decision was not irrational. In fact some people were predicting this before camp.

 

You keep saying that Donovan is not fit. How about a link?

 

This. Guaranteed the veterans in particular.

 

I guess it is just a matter of opinion, from what I see on the outside as a fan....and what you see. Do you really think that Donovan has the mental strength needed? He was full of excuses, setting himself up for failure. He wasn't in it 100%, and I "think" that is why he was let go...oh, and that he was very far removed from a decent fitness level.

However, I don't think we will ever know....and certainly Bigsoccer and all its wisdom is not the source of info regarding this...it's a gutsy move and in my opinion, the 2014 Landon Donovan does not help this team at all...

 

The Landon of a few years ago would far and away be the best player in the pool today. It's unrealistic to say he should have to meet that standard to be included in the 23. But he was better than I'd seen him in a long time after his sabbatical. Who else do you think would've matched his play in the Gold Cup?

 

The day was coming. Sooner than I thought.

 

Pretty convenient to leave out this year, where Davis has 1 more goal and 4 more assists.

 

Guys, I'm not sure that LD and Klinsmann are pals. But there's no big conspiracy about this. If LD were in shape and in form, he'd be on the plane.

 

He was 31 and was in Cambodia for a month. Don't players get to take an offseason when physically breaking down? He extended his offseason a month and missed no regular season games for the LA Galaxy.

 

Right. Ignoring the words that came directly from the guy that's known for his brutal honesty (sometimes to the detriment of himself).

 

I think we are all speculating heavily here as to why Donovan was cut. I am interested to see if Donovan or Klinsmann speak to the press about it. They have been in camp for 9 days. Donovan in the first episode on ESPN has said he is having trouble competing physically multiple days in a row. My limited viewing of MLS this season, I have not seen him making consistent runs up and down the field either. I suspect, but would love confirmation that Donovan was struggling showing physical consistency and forced the decision.

 

Just to throw more irrelevant kindling on the fire, here's Klinsmann's son's tweet (I believe Jon is 14...):

469600427500376064 is not a valid tweet id

RT @jonklinsmann HHAHAHAHA DONAVAN HAHAHAHAA I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE UNTIL PHONE NOTIFIED ME HAHA

 

BS. He's in shape - go watch MLS Live.

As for form, please explain Brad Davis and Julian Green. Thanks.

 

Luckily the world cup camp that both of them got invited too was more important than a game two years ago in Honduras.

Americans are still pissed that Timothy Chandler played hard to get. Get over it. He's an American and unlike Donovan, he's hasn't taken a year off and he didn't show up to camp 20 pounds fat.

 

The United States needs someone better than Cobi Jones to hold the caps record, Landon is our only hope.

 

One plays a position of need and the other plays in our most crowded positions. One is our best bet against the talented wingers in the group the other has been losing his physical gifts that made him good.

 

As much as Donovan needs to go to the World Cup, I've never been a big fan of his honest, open, reflective self analysis to any camera sitting in front of him.