According to Claudio, he plans on using either the Confederations Cup or the Gold Cup for fitness. "For me the summer is about regaining my fitness and making sure I'm ready when we return to pre-season training. " "The Confederations Cup in France could be a good way for me to boost my fitness. I don't know yet what I'll do." http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/latest_soccer_news/354692.html Since Reyna has been recovering from a serious ACL injury, he is neither fit nor in match form. His fitness may improve some, but as far as match form, I don't anticipate that he will be much better because the EPL season is almost over and he likely won't get any very competitive games before any USMNT camp in the summer. Formerly injured players should not expect special treatment and get an automatic call just because they used to be on the team before. Times are different now that we have more depth in the player pool and EVERY player has to earn his spot with CURRENT level of play. To me, Reyna's comments reflect a lack of respect for the USMNT and his fellow teammates!! I don't think a player should use the National Team to regain fitness! Especially in important tournaments against high-level competition. Bring him in for a friendly maybe, but not the Confederations Cup! When a player gets to play on the National Team it is a priviledge and an honor and should be treated as such. I want players that are already not only highly fit, but in match form playing for the National Team. Anything less than that is unfair to the team and the fans.
I think he may see it more as a goal, to be fit for one of those Cups. He is the captain after all, I doubt he would look at the National Team with as much contempt as you see in that comment.
Maybe, just maybe, the Bruce and Claudio have already spoken, and Bruce maybe asked Claudio if he would be available for the Confed or GOld Cups. I don't think Claudio's comments show any lack of respect.
Oh, calm down. The Mackems pay his bills. He's returning from an injury. It's NOT a WCQ. Besides, Captain Indignant, don't you think Reyna earned a spot after everything he's done for the U.S.? Particularly his performance in the WC.
Re: Re: Reyna, Have a little more respect!!! I agree with you Geo but I think the Captain is trying to say he feels no one can claim a starting spot just because of who he is. I am not offended by what Claudio said but if he is not fit he shouldn't start.
Either way regarding the "correctness" of his comments, Kyle Martino or JOB should start at center mid. At this stage of the WC cycle development is more important than rehab.
I'm sure Reyna has spoken to Bruce about this, and Bruce would probably be thrilled to have him in France. I agree that we should not have players on the field for us at important tournaments who are not match fit, but most don't regard World Cup Lite as an important tournament. Even The Bruce himself has commented that he will use this tournament as a tool to build for the next WC cycle. I suspect that his roster will be a mix of vets and new talent, and since Reyna is a vet who will likely figure in the next WC cycle, his presence would be beneficial.
yes, developement is very important, but this rehab is important to Reyna's career and his career is important to USMNT. He has been out for a long time. His club is likely to go down to First Divison. He needs a new club for next season. To be realistic, only a few clubs would sign a 29 year old who has been injuried for a long time. In order for him to find a better club/contracts, Reyna needs to prove his fitness this summer. The Confederations Cup is important for him. Even if he finds a new club, he still needs to regain his fitness before the preseason. If he shows up unfit as the new guy, he would be reduced to the bench for the rest of the season. He has done so much for USMNT and Arena(winning 3 NCAA titles for him). Arena will give him the PT.
Re: Re: Reyna, Have a little more respect!!! No!!! Playing the game has to do with current fitness and current form. IMO, there's no room for nostalgia when putting the starting 11 on the field unless it's a testimonial or maybe even a friendly. We're at a point in our history that we need to be more competitive within the team to continue to improve...
I think Sunderland won't be too happy about it, he might be injured again, since he had been injured several time in short period of time w/ Sunderland, he doesn't have phisicaly strong body for this sport maybe he should play prof golf instead.
I can't speak for GN, but I don't really care about Sunderland's happiness. Reyna will be better off playing with the Nats.
Re: Re: Reyna, Have a little more respect!!! he earned the spot w/ nat team after everything he's done for several clubs in Europe.
It is most important to give JOB and Kyle Martino a chance to grow as the center mid(s) of the future. Friendlies are not the same as tournaments. Of course any tournament other than the WC, is pale in comparison, but they are much more important than friendlies. Our federation does not have the great tournaments that uefa (Euro Cup) and conmebol (Copa America) have, so we have to make best use of what we can participate in. There would still be a place for Reyna on the squad now, perhaps at right mid, but the most important thing now is to nurture JOB and Martino at center mid. When time comes for WCQ, then most likely Reyna will go back to center mid.
He'll be best off getting healthy and testing his leg this summer with the U.S. even in limited minutes is a good idea...
How much "nurturing" could JOB need? He plays for one of the top clubs in the world and when he's with the Nats he seems to play like a "nurtured" veteran
I was referring to being the center offensive mid. At Ajax he plays left fullback, and with the nats it has been at left mid most of the time, with some play at center mid (Portugal for example). He needs more experience at center mid and that position is his announced preference. Convey will not be the center mid. A very good player but not good enough for nat team duty at center mid. Keep your eye on Martino this year. He has the goods, and I'm speaking as a Metros fan. Hopefully he will not get too banged up.
Re: Re: Re: Reyna, Have a little more respect!!! I think you meant "If he is not fit, Claudio must sit... and if the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit"
While I agree with this policy in principle, the reality is that adherence to this policy would mean that we only call in our Europe-based players when we have matches in the MLS offseason (which lasts something like 5-6 months).
If you make a statement like this you really should back it up. I'll give you the reason why I think Convey is good enough. *He is incredibly smooth on the ball. Thats the first thing that struck me when watching him. A lot of American players rely purely on their athletecism and that won't work in the middle. This kid relies in his flair and dribbling skills. *as he proved with his corner kicks, he can drop some dimes. Playing him in the middle allows him to cross the ball to either side of the field. *He can play defense. This has been already proved with his experiment as a left back. And any central midfielder must go both ways. This is something that neither Donovan nor Martino has proven yet. *he can score when the opportunity arises. Not a prolific scorer but at DC united he gets himself into good position and can finish. *I think he might be a bit more athletic and stronger than Martino. He can take a beating and keep on clicking. Martino definatly faded in the 2nd half vs LA.
about the original arguement.... I don't think he is showing any more disresepct than Arena shows towards ConFed Cup. What has said Arena said? we aren't trying to win this thing, just evaluating players and not embarress ourselves. I'm pretty sure he won't start Reyna if he isn't fit.
did he ever say he was going to be playing in the games? his goal was to get back in time to be with the team during the confed cup....what is wrong with that being his goal? what is to say that he just wants to be back and fit enough to join the team and use the time to practice with the squad. i think he has earned the right to come along with the team and practice, and maybe get in the last few minutes of the games. i really doubt he is going to be playing a full 90. so let's just all calm down a bit. geesh.
Given the length and severity of Reyna's injury, coupled with his age, we should be happy that he has indicated he is willing to return at all. As important a tourney as this may appear to be, Reyna should be given every opportunity to rehab with the national side, as he has been a servant of this program for almost a decade, and reamins a vital part of it's future. Reyna is our captain, and should be treated and regarded as such.
please tell Martino is not the future of the National team, esp. not at the creative mid position. The only national team spot he should get is Mia Hamms