If Donovan and Beckham really come back, unexpected as that was a short time ago, who should be our captain? Beckham is out, in my mind. He is no captain for this team. He needs to fill his role in the offense and with the media/fans. Donovan is likely. He's been the captain before, he has a long tenure with the club, and the apparent respect of all. Bruce handed him the armband first for the US back several years ago & said that Landon needs to realize who he is, and how important he is (I'm paraphrasing). But on the downside, Donovan doesn't really want to be here either. In fact, a summer transfer out wouldn't be at all unlikely. Plus he has a big international schedule this year. Plus his previous tenure as captain of the Galaxy, and even his leadership last year, has been a little spotty, although he has had his good moments, too. I'm thinking of his toughness in the months following the World Cup. And when Beckham was injured he buckled down & we went on a good run. Best guess is that Bruce will want a new captain. Chris Klein perhaps. I hope it's not one of the new guys, but whoever is showing leadership in preseason may earn it, and there aren't that many old guy to choose from. What do you all think?
I think it's a good question. If you assume it shouldn't be Becks or Landon because they don't want to be here, I have no idea who the next best choice would be.
Maybe it's just a huge leadership void, like some of the departing Galaxy players said late last year.
Your point is well taken Geneva. That is just the beginning of the locker room troubles that lie ahead of the Galaxy and Bruce this season if those two players come back. I know the league wants to take a stand and not be pushed around by any team or league, but the Galaxy will take a hit.
I never liked Beckham as captain. I like having a long tenured, good leader, veteran, who really likes the club. I was a big proponent of Pete V. for captain last year, but obviously thats not a viable option anymore. I would be okay with Landon getting it. I expect Chris Klein to get it- as Bruce gave it to him last year in the Beckham/Donovanless games. I would not be surprised (though I would be sickened) if Beckham got it. Gotta keep those newb fans and corporate sponsers happy...
I think you guys are inventing a problem, where none yet exists. One of the reasons Capello has sited publicly for having Beckham on the English team is his leadership in the clubhouse. If Beckham goes south on the Galaxy and caused clubhouse problems he would potentially be jeopardizing his chances with England. He is going to need all the play he can get to maintain his fitness and form. He still needs 18 more caps to move into first place all time for England. Most of those will come during the time he will be be with the Galaxy.
Capello says that Beckham needs to be playing top football in a good league to get called up for England. Being captain doesn't magically change MLS into the BPL
IF Beckham is back..I don't think he'll be the captain. Not because of his unloyalty whatsoever or because the manager and the team hate him..but I think because he himself doesn't want to be as he owes it to the team for all the trouble. Just my prediction. I think Klein will get it.
First I think you misrepresented what I have seen Capello quoted as having said. Second you forgot/ignored that Beckham played to the English nation team in 2008 while with the Galaxy. Finally what is the BPL?
Fistly, I can assure you that I do not represent anything that you have seen, as I do not look out of your eyes. Secondly, no I didn't. I also have not forgotten that Beckham was always the only player in those squads playing in the MLS, something Capello is bound not to like, considering the difference in play and lifestyle between European leagues and the MLS. Finally, the BPL is the Barclays Premier League, the league in England that you may know as the English Premier League. You might know it as the home of Manchester United.
Back on topic, I say Klein. Brunce seems to have a lot of faith in him, and he seems like he could be a really good leader for us, and not likely to abandon us for Europe (I hope)
From my very very limited talk with the players I would vote for Chris Klein, because he seems to have the most passion for the Galaxy where as David (who?) could care less about the Galaxy, and Landon clearly wants to be somewhere else.
So long as Landycakes comes back with a minimum of drama (and a "we'll get there next time attitude), I don't see why he wouldn't get the armband. Sure, he wants to play for Bayern Muenchen, but who wouldn't?
I would think it would probably be Chris Klein or Eddie Lewis. Somebody who's at least been here through preseason.
My exact thoughts. Both are experienced and well respected. It wouldn't surprise me tough if it was Sanneh although there are too many asterisks with him, if he makes the team, if he starts etc.