If you are scratching your head at the above photo, and the sight of Landon Donovan clad in Bayern Munich attire, then you probably missed the news that Donovan is spending 10 days training with the German champions, a stint that began on Tuesday.
While it is being called just a training stint, it is safe to say the 10-day stint is being used as a test drive by Bayern Munich, whish is strongly considering acquiring Donovan during the January transfer window. While Los Angeles Galaxy officials have stated strongly that Donovan will be back with the Galaxy in 2009, you can’t help but get the feeling that it is time for Donovan to leave MLS and step up to the challenge of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Count me among those intrigued at the prospect of the U.S. national team star potentially joining Juergen Klinsmann at Bayern Munich, one of the top teams in Europe. If the thought of a Luca Toni-Landon Donovan partnership gets you excited then enjoy the photo below.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Donovan’s Bayern training stint, and a potential departure from MLS to Europe this winter, in the comments section below.
Thanks shelbo.
So Jamie Z, post today’s video!!!
zach, LD is right footed, but with a great left foot. He has played right left and center at various times.
This is great. Nice job finding the links Jaime Z.
I have no idea where is the best place for Landon to play abroad. Wherever it is – I just want him to do well. Good luck to him and I’m glad he’s doing this.
So, what I’d worry about is whether Klinsmann will keep his job after the move. Bringing in an American player is usually the death sentence for managers.
Is Donovan left or right footed? If he is right footed, then wouldn’t he or Clint Dempsey be good options for the right wing of the USMNT?
I just wonder what Bianca thinks of all this. Her TV show isn’t cancelled and yet she is why Landon has stayed in LA and refused to go anywhere else. Also part of the reason he came back after his last Germany stint. So how does she weigh in on this? Married but on two separate continents with an ocean in between? Hmmm
Easy answer: Outside of the U.S., every footie fan on earth thinks that he is an (admittedly talented) enormous, whiny puss. Given that that was the reputation he left Germany with last time, I imagine he has several people there whom he would like to prove wrong.
Posted by: jloome | November 12, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Are you sure that it’s footie fans outside the US? I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of footie fans inside the US that believe the same thing!
People who are bashing this move should look at the fact that he was younger and less experienced the last time in Germany. He is now a seasoned veteran with over 100 caps and still the speed to compliment Ribery. Why not give it a shot at one of the best clubs. Come on nay-sayers shoot big. Maybe you’ll be surprised.
timmyg: i think the training stint IS to see how he might fit at FCB, but if it doesnt work out, certainly it would give him exposure to other clubs.
Also, timmyg, sure he is not playing BPL week in and out, but don’t sell the MLS THAT short, nor WCq’ing. This is what the 10 days if for-to see how he fits in. After some transitioning to a fast game/team, FCB will know if they have a fit or not.
Betinho, thanks!
PS–an online poll at Die Welt paper shows a 2-1 ration of people who DON’T think Donovan will improve FCB. About 110 votes as of this writing. For whatever that is worth.
Does anyone else think that this training session is going to propel Donovan to another club?
Like say he trains fairly well with Bayern. Even though Bayern may not have any plans to sign him, it will give a good litmus test of Donovan’s ability.
So other clubs around Europe may get a copy of the tape, and be more willing to shell out the king’s ransom MLS will demand for him more so than they would by watching MLS and USMNT highlights reels against crappy opponents.
Because lets face it; excluding Mexico and Argentina, Donovan hasn’t played against quality opposition since the world cup.
Thanks BlueWhiteLion. good stuff!
PS. A couple of papers have mentioned the possibility of a loan, “like Beckhams” if they can’t reach a reasonable transfer sum.
Ives, you have a really cool job, that is all I can say. Short of being able to play it professionally, covering it would be the next best thing. And WE ALL appreciate your coverage, whether we agree or not! How fun would it be if we all agreed? lol. Thanks again.
Actually, I don’t find Fox that right wing, certainly not online. CNN has its balanced moments, but it still has a definite slant. But that is for another forum. You can always perceive bias better when they are promoting a view that is not your own.
another newspaper, Suddeutschezeitung, has a fluff piece with some good tidbits. Opening up with how hot LD’s wife is, and that she has okayed his move to Europe they get into some comments on his stay:
LD says he was really nervous the first day. They quote Klinsmann: “in general he brings everything he needs to succeed in Europe.” The paper editorializes: “In ‘general’. But the longer Klinsmann talks”, they go on, “the greater becomes his praise.” They ask if he considers giving LD a contract: says Klinsi: “The thought has been to invite him here.” That means, says the paper: “Why not [bring him here]”
After citing LD’s successes as a goal poacher in the US, they give input from LD: (about the MLS): “there are two, maybe three players in every team that could make it in the Bundesliga. Bayern would easily be the champion.” Landon continues humbly (so says the paper): At Baryern I would obviously NOT be the best player.” But he would be good enough. LD went on to take the blame for not succeeding at Leverkusen.
[TO ANSWER THOSE WHO WONDER IF HE CAN SPEAK DEUTSCH]: “He is [definitely a different person] who has been married since 2006 and speaks astonishingly good German.”
It goes on to talk about Podolskis desire to move (and probability) and that Donovan fits in well because he can play striker/forward as will as midfield which makes him an ideal and helpful replacement for Podi. He could slot in behind Klose and Toni.
It finishes with the evaluation that it has yet to be seen if he can really replace Podolski. Bringing LD on would be a risk, considering first the transfer fee with 3 years left on his contract. But knowing Klinsmann, it says, we know all to well that he doesn’t shy away from risks.
maybe i am wrong just htink it would be hard for hit to fit in…
BlueWhiteLion, I think most news media is unbiased. Sure, FoxNews is out of control, and there are some overboard liberal folks like Chris Mathews, but I watch CNN quite a bit and think those folks do a great job of telling the story straight (Lou Dobbs notwithstanding).
I don’t want to make it like I’m a robot who has no emotion when it comes to the U.S. national team. It’s much easier covering a winning team, but at the same time, what you need to understand is that it’s easier to be objective and offer a fair look at a team’s successes and failures if you are not emotionally attached.
As for missing being passionate about a team, I wouldn’t say I miss it, but I’m passionate about the sport and I can get joy from watching great games, be it love or on TV. Much like referees, who have to be impartial and somebody has to do the job. That said, I can take joy in working in the game for a living. I wouldn’t give that up for the world (okay, maybe the world).
dude people who think he should pay in spain i dont understand. la liga is the masot technically astute league in the world and they wnat players with vision which donovan has for american standards but not valencia, sevilla, aletico madrid standards. he probably could make it in the segunda division but he is not talented enoguh to play in la liga.
update from sportbild: Question: will Bayern acquire Landon? Klinsmann won’t deny the possibility: “Landon is a player who brings all the qualities to succeed in Europ. He is the top player in North America, including Mexico, and has made a name for himself. He was in the last six years named the US player of the year five times (again, apologies to Ives! lol) and he has continued to progress and develop.”
The article goes on to say that Bayern really does appear to want to get Landon’s services, and quotes Donovan as saying he would like to stay longer and [what we have all heard from him] that he is in a different place now (personally) and ready to commit.
Uli Hoeness says: “What he has shown us was ‘okay.’ He obviously knows how to play.”
A decision will likely come within the next 10 days.
For you German readers: http://www.sportbild.de/sportbild/generated/article/fussball/2008/11/13/10829800000.html
r.c. I had some of the same feelings (the good and the questions), but there was a time or two later on when I did see him do the dribble/shift thing you mention. Time will tell, but I think it IS a comfort level thing.
Holy crap, it was amazing how FAST things pick up in their “pick up.” 0-100 in nothing flat.
To be fair, Landon looks like he could belong talent-wise judging from the videos. The run down the right side towards the end of the first where he nearly slots home from the most impossible angle was impressive. However, it seems that the entire time, he never looked to dribble, shift, make a move, or do anything that leads me to believe he has the confidence to fit-in. Perhaps it’s early, but oftentimes he fails to impose himself with top competition, and I see that fact being repeated here.
Anyone else really pumped just with the thought that Landon is training with Ribery, Klose, and Toni next to him? Huge step up for the guy. I for one hope he makes the move permanently.
First off, watching pros at that level training is really something else. Even when they’re just screwing around before or after a drill their touch & technique is something else. Wish I lived there and could see it everyday!
Second, LD definitely looks like he belongs. His touch is crisp, vision is there, and he looks far more comfortable than I would have thought he’d be on a 1st and 2nd day.
Third, I do not understand why people think this not a good situation for him. When has LD ever played with a true playmaker and world-class target forward? That’s the problem with LD and the Galaxy, he has to try to be everything b/c the talent around him is just not there. His use of space receiving the balls Ribery is spraying around, running off of Toni, that seems like a dream situation for LD!
Ives–I only wish the news media could be as detached as you from what they cover. But man, don’t you miss being passionate about a team? Is cynicism creeping in? Hope not!
Sigmund: I kind of noticed that too, but I have a untrained eye, unlike you. But your point is right on.
That is just normal, IMO. Look at how Toni and Ribery kid each other. That comes from familiarity and affection. That takes time. Landon really doesn’t know anybody yet. And even for a pro, it takes time to get used to team practice style.
For those above,Ngwenya is from Zimbabwe (my cousin roomed with him at Coastal Carolina)
Im a huge Galaxy fan,but it is landons time to leave,he almost averaged a goal a game last year,if he is going to take the big step this looks like the year to do it
Good for Landon. He may not take over US games, but he is very technical with great pace and would fit in well with Bayern. One of the reasons he doesn’t take over US games is, frankly, US players are not great off-the-ball players and especially do not make dangerous runs–one of the reasons why we like to see DMB and LD so much is that DMB always wants to get behind the defense–other players not so much or if they do they can’t spring themselves with open space and the ball at their feet. When I watch the USMNT I see many passes that LD makes that players not as technically gifted waste, slow-down etc. We are getting better but we’re still not there yet. It still doesn’t change the fact that LD doesn’t “take over” games or “will” other players to step-up intensity, but he could really fit in well with Bayern. The European schedule is such a slog that he will get games.
jesus christ luca toni is huge
Everyone needs to cool out with all of this “landon is smaller than luca toni=he doesn’t have a shot”. I mean imagine saying the same thing about steve nash being smaller than shaquille o’neal. wouldn’t make much sense, would it? also, yes the bundesliga is a physical league, so is MLS. i don’t think you can do an apples to apples comparison about the physicality of the two leagues, but it’s not like MLS games are tickle fights. just sayin’….
I too question Donovan’s choice to return to Germany, but it may be from 1 of 2 reason (or both).
1. The Bayern München option came to him. He was offered a 10 day trial and he would be stupid to turn it down after saying he was interested in returning to Europe.
2. He’s disappointed with his previous experiences in Germany and wants to prove to himself that he can succeed there… sort of get the monkey off his back and put an end to his doubters.
I also wonder whether David Beckham also gave him some encouragement to return to Europe.
Donovan will do well with Bayern as his coach would be a fan of his from the get go. Klose is getting older and hasn’t lit up the league for quite awhile for what I can tell.
The problem with Landons first stint was that he wasn’t there long enough to get a real shot. How many Americans besides Cherundelo and what’s his face from 1860/Cotbus have had a fair shake in Germany? Remember Clint Mathis and those amazing goals he scored? Only to sit on the bench the next game?
Germany is a very TOUGH league to play and I think, one of the more exciting ones in Europe as well. With someone who already knows Landon, he will get time.
let’s just hope MLS lets him go.
You know, everybody talks about his style being more suited to Spain or Italy. I kind of disagree. Both Germany and England use a bit more long ball than either of the two southern European leagues and that plays exactly into his style. His EFFECTIVE pace is exceptional in that he times his runs behind the defense or in-between a high MF and the defense very well. I think he would succeed at some level in either league.
Cheers,
his size doesnt look too convincing next to other Bayern players and style wise i think he better of trying him self in Italian league or Norway it is:)
If they want him he should go. This will give him (better competition and more money), mls (money and be seen as a league with good talent) and ussoccer (better player for 2010). If the weather is an issue then Landon needs to give it up. How many Brazileros, Argentinos, etc…. play on the continent and in the UK? Hundreds!
As far as the physical nature of the league – I ask this question – How physical is Stevie C? I think Landon is stronger and faster – NO? Stevie has played in the league for 6 years or more and he ain’t no Gooch!
If he can get better and be happy we will be very happy with him in 2010! IMO.
FC Bayern is a perfect situation for Landon. I know there are a ton of people scared that he didn’t succeed in Germany before, so why try again? People who want him to be a smaller club where he can be a starter. But it’s been obvious that Donovan has lifted his game in the past couple of years since the WC. He needs to put that to the test against some of the best in the world — CL games.
The Bundesliga is probably the most balanced major European league and FCB need another striker/attacking mid off the bench. Last season they struggled because they relied too heavily on Ribery and Toni. Landon can take some pressure off of those great players and he may do well just being on the field with players better than him who can take pressure off of him.
Good luck Landon! I’d love to see our best US field player at my favorite club!
hilarious how big that penny is on landon…
Ngwenya got his chance and totally sucked at Bayern. Then he went over to Augsberg and tried out. He did not make there either.
I watched the videos and agree that Donovan fit in to this group.
He would bring something different to Bayern. His speed would be an asset for them.
Mark, I’m not a U.S. fan (at least not in the classic sense) and while there are U.S. national team fans who purport to be journalists, a true journalist shouldn’t be emotionally attached to the team they cover. Obviously that can become difficult because you can become friendly with certain players and coaches so on some level you like seeing them do well, and as an American you do want to see the national team progress, but inthe end though, you need some level of emotional detachment in order to be truly objective when writing about a sports team because that emotion can cloud your judgment and prevent you from seeing the bigger picture and writing what needs to be written.
That’s a little more difficult when we’re talking about your nation’s team but it does become easier over time. I don’t think fans realize that you see teams differently when you cover them for years. It certainly demystifies it. I’m not going to say I’ve never had an emotional reaction to a national team result. I can remember being pretty damn excited when the U.S. team beat Portugal in the 2002 World Cup, though that was as much a product of wanting to see the smug Portuguese media eat crow as anything else.
As for my interest in Donovan going to Bayern, I think it’s good for the game of soccer in this country for a top player to go to a top team and do well. I think it lends legitimacy to the sport in this country for Donovan to make that move and I actually think he can go and succeed this time in Europe. Either way, Donovan going to Bayern is an exciting development for anyone interested in American soccer (unless you just dislike Donovan too much to appreciate that).
Zach, I agree with your view on these videos. I’m going to go with the idea tht he was being respectful. For a while I thought he was doing a his best EJ impersonation with all the backwards passing he was doing. He seemed to defer to Ribery quite a bit. there was 2 sequences where Ribery kept giving him the ball and he would just send it back to him. But what do I know, right?
One thing I am trained to do is look at body language and it’s obvious he’s not comfortable yet. There’s a stretch in the second video where he’s isolated that is very telling. He keeps bent in front of himself. It’s a sign that he is guarding himself, a sign of self consciousness. This is further supported by his continuous touching of his face – a sure sign of nervousness. If you watch everyone else they are arms at their sides and relaxed.
He needs to get the eye of the tiger! Here’s hoping the nerves will wear off and he’ll realize he belongs there.
Even if it means the G’s will loose their best player, I hope Donovan impresses them enough to earn a contract at Bayern Munich.
Hope the G’s and MLS let him go and have another crack at Europe.
He will have good chances of playing often + Klose/Toni are not the youngest anymore anyway and specially Klose has had horrible form this year.
I am sure toni will be happy to know that they picked up another attacking player who can put in quality crosses to him.
Donovan is in a good position with a coach that knows him well and a group of highly talented players.
He’ll be leaving LA in January
I hope he goes and hope he does great. He doesn’t have to start every game for it to be a success. He’ll, even Ronaldo, Rooney, etc don’t start every game.
Landon probably doesn’t need to worry about his German language skills. Nearly everyone there speaks English, many of them better than some Americans I know.
Question: why would he go to Munich if he a) wasn’t seriously interested in playing for them, bad weather or no; and b)Klinsman wasn’t serious about giving him playing time?
Hear hear, MIDIKW. I just watched a soccer practice video for the first time in my life!
I think LD looked like he belonged. Godspeed, Landon!
“Count me among those excited at the prospect of the U.S. national team star potentially joining Juergen Klinsmann at Bayern Munich, one of the top teams in Europe.”
__
But Ives, I thought you weren’t a U.S fan?
“First let me say that I’m not a U.S. national team fan, I’m a journalist.” – Ives Galarcep, September 2008
As if the two are mutually exclusive…
I was going to add another comment about Donovan looking tiny in that picture, which is true, but when I went to see the training video link posted Jamie Z the first thing I noticed was how small Frank Ribery is. Moreover, Aguero and Messi, better than any Americans ever, are also diminutive. Good luck Donovan.
Jamie Z. good stuff finding the link for these practice videos… The practice sessions seemed were enjoyable…Yeah it is just practice but it seemed that he didn’t dissapear in the bunch… I hope he can do what it takes to impress the Bayern Munich organization so that when it comes to the january transfer window they sign him. It is the best option for him than with other clubs in Europe and I think he realizes that and hopefully will use that to his advantage. Good luck to him…
so I have watched the practice video and it was amazing. A US player actually fitting into a top team with top talent like Ribery and Toni. I loved some of the one-two action Ribery and LD had.
Also, on a side note, Toni reminded me of The Cat in the Hat with his socks. I mean it was a very tall, beast of a cat in the hat who owned but still, I thought he would start rhyming to me eventually. sadly he didn’t.
Luca is one tall drink of water.
so i just found the videos and watched the first one and it was awesome. I got goosebumps watching ribery and toni joke around. Disappointing first day for Donovan. He is trying out for striker and he won’t shoot! Hopefully they will understand. Of course he is nervous and not used to the guys, but he should definitely shoot more, show off the reason they might acquire him. If he doesn’t loosen up in front of the net and start letting the ball fly then he will be back in 9 days and it will all be over. Hopefully he will be there much longer than that. He just needs to let her rip every time he is open in front of the net.
oh, sorry. Thanks big wave. I must find jamie z’s vids. I must have missed them on the blog so far.
I think even for usmnt fans who think he is a huge p****, we all want him to succeed this time. I can’t help but watch those videos while hoping that he does well enough that they sign him. This is probably the first time I have watched Landon play while not in a usmnt jersey and actually enjoyed it, too.