didn't see this in the pre-game thread but I thoguht you guys might want to read it. http://www.mlsnet.com/special/mlscup/2003/mlscup1118teleconf.html Here're the participants. San Jose Earthquakes Head Coach - Frank Yallop San Jose Earthquakes Forward - Landon Donovan San Jose Earthquakes Captain & Defender - Jeff Agoos Chicago Fire Head Coach - Dave Sarachan Chicago Fire Midfielder - DaMarcus Beasley Chicago Fire Captain & Midfielder - Chris Armas The best thing about it? Not a sinlge mention of a certain 14 y/o
Doesn't sound like he's going anywhere soon... Donovan on playing in Europe: "If next year has similar games like the last two weeks, I don't know why anyone would want to leave. As far as fan support and just the feeling around the team, that's a dream. That's exactly why you play. I've told a lot of people that. "I can honestly say I don't know what my future holds, and I don't know what I'm going to want after next year. I think during this year, I've turned a little bit more toward the possibility of going to Europe, if there's the right opportunity. But next year I could change, and just say, 'You know what? I'm happy here and I don't want to leave.' And, on the other hand, I could be more into going back to Europe. "You learn about yourself as you grow up. You learn about yourself as a person and as a soccer player, and I'm still learning. Hopefully, by next year I'll know." "It's easy for people sitting in beautiful San Diego, California saying, 'You should go over to Germany and play.' Well, you go there and live there for eight months and see sun six days out of the year, and you tell me how it feels. It's easy for people to say that, so I would just say that they have their opinion of what should go on, but unless you're in the situation you have no idea."
unfortunatly, he won't have much choice in the matter. Bayer Leverkusen is paying the majority of his salary and they're not gonna pay him to play for San Jose forever. The problem here is that Landon is worth something. A lot of something. Leverkusen can sell him for some good money. I suppose Donovan could then turnaround and say "I'm not gonna sign for that club". But Leverkusen could just pull him out of SJ and relegate him to their Reserve squad. He's got to be careful in what he says. He doesn't write his own paycheck.
appoo, I've got a question. On the Tommy Smith chat wrap, he mentions talking to Leverkusen about Donovan and them hem-hawing around a little and then saying "to play in the Bundesliga, you gotta want to play in the Bundesliga." I think it's quite evident Donovan does not and will not want to play in the Bundesliga and I don't think Leverkusen can convince him otherwise (just my own opinion.) So why are they continuing to hold on to him? Why don't they deal him? Any ideas? It seems to me like they're sort of punishing him for his attitude and are not gonna ever let him go. Or do they honestly think he'll change his mind? Course, I realize you don't know what they're thinking (neither do I), but ya got any insights?
My only guess would be that they realize how talented he is and they realize that this kid has a chance to be a star. But he could be MORE than just a great soccer player. Step back and ask youself why Euro sqauds were tripping over themselves to sign Freddy Adu. Because of his talent? Well the kid is very talented, but can anyone REALLY say that there aren't a bunch of talented kids playing on the streets of Italy, Holland, and Brazil? The reason he was such a commodity is that there are 280 Million people living in a America, and most of those 280 Million people are paying sports fans who love to wear merchadise commemorating their favorite teams and players. A club like ManU, Chealsea, Barca could make MILLIONS selling Freddy Adu merchandise to us American's if he made it big time. Well I think thats one of the reasons Bayer might hold onto Landon Donovan. He's the original Freddy Adu. The Phenom who was supposed to put American Soccer on the map, and into America's living room. I have no doubt, that Manchester United would be willing to take a risk on Landon Donovan, but no way in hell is Leverkusen is going to sell that kind of potential cheaply. And at the same, time I don't think anybody is going to buy a 21 year old American Soccer player for anything more than 4 Million. Leverkusen probably doesn't think its worth it. Not when they have on their hands, what might be they key to the lucrative, and UNTAPPED US Market. Just to expound on this a little bit, Manchester United will buy a Chinese star over the Winter signing period. And why do you think they would do that? I think the answer is that for years ManU has been looking to tap into the vast Asian market
sorry for the post run.... But I realize that my last post is somehwta contrary to my original post. I do think that if worst comes to worst, Leverkusen could just suck him up and bury him in their system. They don't need to pay this much money if they KNOW that he won't play for them. And from a business stand point, I'd hate to give him away for next to nothing, knowing just how much he could be worth
Appoo, your post makes absolute sense. I was wondering why Man U would pay for that 18 year old Chinese kid, but pass on the likes of Donovan. Of course, it makes perfect sense (especially since Man U lost Beckham).
This might be EXACTLY why they're looking into buying him. I forgot just how big Becks was over there