by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Last summer, Landon Donovan revealed his desire for another taste of European soccer. After half a year of repeatedly expressing his ambitions, Donovan is set to join one of the top teams in Europe.
No, the loan deal everyone has known about for months (but nobody has bothered to make official) hasn't "happened yet." At least not in the minds of MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy, which have yet to announce a thing. That didn't stop Landon Donovan from talking about his impending loan to Bayern Munich
The United States' leading goal-scorer took some time to chat with Bayern Munich's website (translated by google, not by Yoda) and he touched on topics ranging from the competition he'll face in training, to his contract with Munich and even to his wife's reaction of him moving to Germany.
Another interesting tidbit in the interview is the fact that Donovan will be wearing the number 13 on the back of his jersey as opposed to his traditional number 10.
While some may question the significance of the number, it's easy to forget that back in October of 2000, at the tender age of 18, Donovan debuted as a sub for the United States in their 2-0 victory over arch-rival Mexico. Donovan starred in that game, tallying his first goal (the game winner) and his first assist. The number Donovan sported that day? 13.
Yet as official as Bayern Munich is making the move, the Los Angeles Galaxy and MLS are not. There have been no reports, no official statements and no acknowledgement of Donovan's loan move with the current Bundesliga champions. The reason for this silence is unknown but something will have to give in the coming days, especially with Bayern Munich resuming their Bundesliga campaign on January 30th.
So what's my take on Donovan's loan move? While at first I was wary at the thought of him returning to Germany, the fact is that this is one of, if not the best, situation Donovan could have put himself in. Donovan is familiar with the German lifestyle, style of play and most importantly with head coach Juergen Kilnsmann.
Will it be three strikes and out or will the third time be a charm for Donovan? If the move to Germany takes the former approach and proves once again to be unsuccessful, the loan deal (assuming it becomes official) ends on March 15 and he could return home to LA. For now, Donovan has a chance to prove that he can indeed hang with the big boys.
What do you think of Donovan's loan deal to Munich? Why do you think the LA Galaxy or MLS have yet to make it official? Think Donovan made the right choice in selecting lucky #13? Do you think Donovan will extend his loan into a more permanent deal?
Share your thoughts below.
Joe – Tisk Tisk Tisk. I must say that after watching the MLS for the past 10+ years, some of the teams in the KrieseKlasse (The BierLiga) would give an MLS team arun for the money.
The MLS is good for American football as it gets the young kids visibility that my generation never received, that is unless you possesed the skills of Tab Ramos, Eric Wynalda or John Harkes.
DD- I saw that on Sport Bild today. You beat me to the punch as I was checking out the latest German news on Donovan. Thanks brother.
Herr Donovan sprechen bicien gut Deutsch fur eine Amerikaner. Translated: Donovan speaks a little bit of good German for an American.
At least the kid appreciates culture unlike many Americans I know who have enever left North America.
Speaking of which, TimN, have you ever been abroad and bothered to learn a culture, let alone a European language before traveling, or are you just another ignorant American who gives the rest of us a bad name name?
A little Interview with Donovan in German. ; )http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/fussball/bundesliga/vereine/bayern/2009/01/04/dubai-trainingslager/gegen-loewen.html
OK. Enough of the Landon, the Budesliga and english translation bashing. The Bundesliga is, by far, one of the top 3 leagues in Europe.
TimN – Why do you have to punk out Der Rotes Baron? He is entitled to his comments, and as a “real” American Bayern fan, I initially agreed with The Baron going into this back in Nov as well. However, that has all changed since the temp deal. Like any other time when an American tries his trade abroad, whether it be a soldier going abroad like me or a FuSballer, like Landon Donovan going to Bayern, you have got to respect his decision, support him and hope for the best this time around as he is representing the Red, White and Blue.
Aside from any Germans posting comments, I have probably been one of the biggest American FC Bayern fans since the 70’s when Bayern ruled not just the Bundesliga, but also Europe. TimN probably doesn’t remember Soccer Made in Germany on PBS on Sunday mornings. Yes, it was free! Afterwards, Der Kaiser came to play for the Cosmos and I saw every match at the Meadowlands.
I hope Landon makes an impact w/Bayern and inks a long term deal. We need an attacking player that can show the world, Americans attackers can hang play with the best clubs in Europe. Dirk Nowitzki is doing it in the NBA, so why can’t Landon?
Best of luck Landon! I will see you at the 1FCK test speile on 19 January in Kaiserlautern. You’re welcome to our home in Heidelberg any time, especially the weekend of the Hoffe match in May.
Bayern have apparently just signed Croatian striker Ivica Olic from Hamburg. Looks like even more competition in the attack
It’s hard to fault MLS for not being thrilled about losing yet another marquee player.
However, I do believe MLS has to come to terms with the fact that the league just isn’t profitable enough to keep players who are in their prime and skillful enough to play in the “big leagues”.
In my opinion, MLS should thank their lucky stars Landon decided to return at all and boost the league’s profile with his outstanding play.
Regarding the deal, it seems odd that it has yet to be announced. Makes me think that the Galaxy/MLS doesn’t want to show their hand yet in hopes that more money will be offered from another club.
I think it is great that Donovan is trying this loan with Bayern Munich. I hop ehe can stick it through. I think it is classless of the MLS to not announce this loan. They should be happy for these players that get these type of opportunities, as it is a reflection of the MLS level that these players are being looked at. I still can’t forget how the revolution blocked Twellmans attempted move. That type of thing accomplishes nothing except to make everyone disguntled.
I just read the German side. Works for me. No “boy is hot” here . . . Sounds like a japanese expression, like a name for their candy, or perhaps a baseball bat.
Agree with several who defer to Klinsi’s soccer intellect, rather than some of the posters, here. Of course no one knows a thing until LD gets on the pitch (gameday), but Juergen is not the type of guy to bring in Landon just for jersey sales. Whoever thinks that has not followed Klinsmann for very long. He is an innovator and doer, who has consistently shown integrity.
Nothing new, but I noticed that LD wants an extension–errr–a contract, to go beyond the short loan. He would rather not go back to LA. And note he loves everything about the team, the facility, and the city. Munich is a nice place. It is not Leverkusen.
Machs gut, Landon!
Oh, and good luck to Landon. I, for one, think it’s a great opportunity, and that he will succeed this time.
“The boy is hot, he wants to prove here.”
Nice.
Ballack wore number 13 for Bayern Munich as well, so so much for the pressure theory.
Donovan will get playing time. In an interview with Bild newspaper on December 15, Klinsmann was quoted as saying that Donovan “is not here to ride the bench.”
Donovan will be given his chance – they have 5 games between now and the start of the Bundesliga back round – and I fully expect Landon to shine.
I think this deal will become permanent. Landon will prove his worth.
I love how many people here seem to know what’s best for Bayern Munchen than the club itself. Amazing!!! They didn’t bring him on board just because. He’ll get some quality playing time and sooner than many of you thinking.
Someone else posted this
“I want Landycakes to succeed in Europe but I dont think Germany is the place for him. Germany reminds me of a more skilled MLS. Hear me out, but you dont see many creative teams in the league. It seems to me that team are just huge and beat you up. The defenders are gigantic and skillfull. They arent going to lunge in at tackles so LC isnt going to be beating people like he has in the MLS. He gonna get the crap beat out of him and he is going to come back crying to the MLS and play the rest of his career here in the states…”
Hey, if you don’t watch Bundesliga then it’s ok to say it or better yet don’t mention it. However since you’ve chosen to display your ignorance you shall be roasted. The Bundesliga is one of the faster leagues in Europe and as far as creativity goes, it’s pretty damn entertaining. I enjoy MLS but there’s no way in hell I’m comparing it to the Bundesliga other than the rules of the game. Gheesh!!! Rolls eyes!!!
Man it would be great if this quickly turned into a permanent deal for Landon Donovan. Good luck to the guy and I hope this time is the charm for the Donovan.
@Joe
I understand your line of reasoning, but consider:
1.) 6 million is nothing for a club like Bayern. They could easily pay a fair price for LD.
2.) It is good for MLS to get a reputation that are a solid league that develops good talent…it is a credit to the league when its players thrive elswhere. There are lots of leagues in other countries that do the same thing and thier soccer is still good. When MLS players thrive around the world, it is MLS and the US that are thriving. Also, it is a key to bringing in more young talent. For young Americans who dream of playing in the top leagues of Europe it is important that MLS is a viable option to help them achieve that, or else they will go player in Europen leagues that are more likely to help them do that. Honestly, after seeing the Twellman debacle, I am surpised any of our top young kids would take MLS contracts. We don’t need the same thing with LD.
3.) Finally for the Galaxy, LD was a huge part of that team. Everybody realizes that, but his and Beckham’s contracts take up so much cap space it is hard to build a balanced squad. The idea behind dealing him is that the cap space and allocation money from the deal would allow LA to do that. I doubt they would find another 20 goal 9 assist guy like LD, but if they found a 10 goal guy, plus a solid centerback, and maybe even a defensive midfeilder for that money, it makes them a better team. They could go get Orozco and Sammy Ochoa from Mexico and still have cash left over to address other needs.
I was reading some of the other articles on the BM website, and Yoda is an understatement. I stumbled across this brilliant translation: “A few hours his first training session at FC Bayern, he was arrested in his home for the fifth time for the footballer of the year.”
Great stuff. Anyone speak German? Because I know someone who needs a translator
Landon had 20 goals and 9 assists for LA this year. They scored 55 goals this season. Take him out of the team and they score 26 goals. I know someone else would be there in his place but they will not be scoring and doing the things Landon does. I have a tough time seeing LA letting go of Landon.
Why does everyone keep saying it is good for MLS? In what way other than the transfer funds? We lose a great player for this league and dont get anything in return. If the Galaxy lose Landon then there goes 20 goals for a terrible team. No team in the MLS can afford to lose 20 goals. The league cant afford to keep losing these players. As much as we all want to see these players overseas the league is not just gonna let these players go for cheap and dont be surprised if the league does a Twellman to him because Bayern are not gonna pay what he is worth. I think 6 million is what I would rate LC at.
I think the fact that Donovan is returning to Germany shows that he is a different man and is ready to tackle the challenges of going abroad. Yes, he will have a wife to help ease the transition and will be a few years older as well as being able to speak the language and have Klinnsman there to back him up, which will all help. I think Donovan will do well and hopefully for his sake the loan deal will become permanent. Seeing Americans playing in Europe is common place, the next hurdle is/are Yanks playing in top clubs and in the Champions League.
As for MLS/LA Galaxy’s failure to announce the loan deal – only in MLS. It is these kind of decisions by the league that makes it a constant source of criticism and ridicule. My only guess is that they find these sorts of short-term loans embarassing to the league and are trying to avoid discussing them.
I think Donovan is very superstishous(spelling? lol). Before every pk he takes, he does a ritual i guess, of repeatingly kissing his wrists. I guess Donovan embraces a new challenge with the number 13 for he feels its a lucky one.
This is a great opportunity for donovan to improve his skills in one of the top leagues in the world. if he could sign a longer contract, this could also give him champions league experience too. i hope somehow fsc can cover some bundesliga games if he plays for them.
@S.L. aka Tne Red Baron,
Why don’t you go back from wherever you came. I can’t stand it when you foreigners come to this board and cluelessly bash American football players. If you don’t care for American players, fine, hit the road. You’re derogatory, ridiculous tripe adds nothing to the discussion.
As for Donovan, I think he’s a more mature player at this point in his career than when he attempted his initial run at Leverkusen. He has a solid chance at success because of his greater international experience at this juncture. Additionally, having some familiarity with Klinsman, his expectations, and style of coaching will be very beneficial.
wizkid,
yeah i have a chelsea jersey with my name on it and being from the states where nobody really knows players from other leagues they think thats a players name lol
..plus its cool cause players can leave and then you have a pointless jersey
i will buy a landon bayern jersey for sure if it becomes permanent just to support
I like the choice of the 13 shirt, despite the 10 shirt being available, it would be too much pressure.
Heh, they have an English site. I think you’ll find this a much more intelligible read.
http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/news/2009/18181.php?fcb_sid=d223f34cd8e340434846312c8b3cd4a9
Landon Donovan:
‘I’m ready for the Bundesliga now’
02.01.2009
Landon Donovan has arrived at the Säbener Strasse on loan from LA Galaxy, “and we’re expecting great things of him,” Jürgen Klinsmann told fcbayern.de. The 26-year-old USA star took up his new job in Munich on Friday, and is set to stay until 15 March before a decision on whether the deal may be extended for a longer period.
The attacker, who will wear the squad number 13 in Munich, tested the Bavarian waters in a ten-day spell at the club last November. “He showed he has the class,” Klinsmann stated. The FCB coach rates the goal-getter as “an additional weapon” in Bayern’s trophy quest: “He’s fired up and wants to prove himself with us.”
Donovan, who spent part of his apprenticeship with Bayer Leverkusen but never broke into the senior team there, exuded confidence and desire in conversation with fcbayern.de, as the five-time US Player of the Year gave an exclusive interview shortly after his first official squad workout.
Interview: Landon Donovan
fcbayern.de: Hello Landon, welcome back to Germany. What are you hoping to achieve here at Bayern?
Donovan: “I’m pleased and very excited to be here. My goal is to become part of the team as quickly as possible. I’m confident it’ll work out. It was made very easy for me here at Bayern back in November. I was welcomed with open arms.”
fcbayern.de: What impression did you gain of Bayern from your spell here last November?
Donovan: “It was all wonderful – the coaching staff, the players, the medical unit, the performance centre, the training conditions, the whole club, the city. I’m delighted to be here.”
fcbayern.de: How did your wife react when you told her you wanted to go back to Munich?
Donovan: “She was really thrilled for me. Obviously, it’s sad we’re apart for a little while, but she knows it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to play for a really big club.”
fcbayern.de: You were previously with Leverkusen and spent the ten days with Bayern. What are the differences between Germany and Major League Soccer (MLS)?
Donovan: “The people in Germany have much greater passion for football. Football’s in their blood, as football has such a long history in Germany, but we’ve only had the MLS for 13 years. Bundesliga matches are obviously very high quality, every player at a club like Bayern has class, which is different to America. The playing styles are different too. You get more one-on-one situations in the Bundesliga, the players are technically strong and good on the ball – the MLS is faster and more physical.”
fcbayern.de: You’re competing with Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski for a place in the team. How would you rate your chances?
Donovan: “Training with them back in November was a dream come true. Training with such classy players makes you a better player yourself. I can learn lots from them. At the same time, I do believe I can bring qualities of my own to the team. I’m a different type of player compared to Luca, Miro and Lukas. I do a lot of work off the ball and at a high pace.”
fcbayern.de: You’re here until 15 March for now, but the club may well want you to stay for longer. Is that a pressure situation for you?
Donovan: “Obviously there’s pressure, but I like that. I’m at my best under pressure. I was being closely watched when I came here in November. If you can’t cope with being watched in training, you’ll never survive in a big stadium. Pressure is part of being a footballer.”
fcbayern.de: So your aim is to play for Bayern beyond 15 March?
Donovan: “Yes, I’d definitely like to stay for longer.”
fcbayern.de: What was Jürgen Klinsmann’s role in your coming to Munich?
Donovan: “Jürgen has been very supportive. It was lucky for me that he spent a long time in Los Angeles and saw me play there. He knows my qualities. But I’m aware there’ll be no gifts for me here at Bayern. I’ll have to work hard for everything here, but that’s what I’m really looking forward to.”
fcbayern.de: You started out in Leverkusen but ended up going home. How has Landon Donovan changed since then?
Donovan: “I’ve grown up, especially mentally. I’m more experienced and mentally stronger, and I know what to expect here. Back then in Leverkusen, I wasn’t ready for Germany and the Bundesliga. I thought for many months about the decision to come back, and spoke to lots of people. I know I’m ready for it now.”
I’m thinking that the reason the deal hasn’t been announced by MLS/LAG is because the loan deal is going to quickly morph into a permanent move. I’m sure a successful transfer will bring a good chunk of allocation money. Plus, the ~$400k that Donovan takes up on the cap would probably be better used to bring in a couple of players for the depth-strapped Galaxy.
Wiz Kid,
Name on jersey is cool, unless you are 35 or older.
MLS and LA need to make this a permanant deal! Its the best thing for Donovan, the USMNT, the Galaxy, Bayern, and MLS.
Donovan needs a challenge, and he will get it with Bayern. Just practicing with those guys everyday will improve his game. Plus he is playing for a coach that understands him and his fragile psyche. JK will bring out the best him. Bayern is the best place for him to be challenged (and toughen up!).
The transfer fee and cap space will let LA start to rebuild. Plus the team can focus on building its squad for next year, rather than wondering if LD will be there or not.
For MLS, it lets one of thier guys move to one of the biggest clubs in the world. MLS should embrace it when its players go overseas…its gives the league a higher profile if it is known to help develop good players.
As a fan of the USMNT, the LA Galaxy, and Bayern Munich the permanant deal needs to be finilized.
…but I like das Pressure makes me better
and
he is older in the head
I actually think he has a chance at succeeding at Bayern. I didn’t at first but if he is able to get on the field I think he can contribute. The question is will he be enough of a contributor to get a big transfer I don’t think so. If he plays well and plays very well in the Confederations Cup I think a summer transfer is a real possibility.
Seems most people on this board know the game more than JK. The top brass at Bayern have failed their fans by not hiring the brilliant soccer minds on this board.
Best wishes to Landon. Here’s hoping you can best that one last demon and become one of the greatest players this country has ever developed.
I want Landycakes to succeed in Europe but I dont think Germany is the place for him. Germany reminds me of a more skilled MLS. Hear me out, but you dont see many creative teams in the league. It seems to me that team are just huge and beat you up. The defenders are gigantic and skillfull. They arent going to lunge in at tackles so LC isnt going to be beating people like he has in the MLS. He gonna get the crap beat out of him and he is going to come back crying to the MLS and play the rest of his career here in the states. But I hope he does well for the sake of the national team
I never understood the LD hate. We all know he’s not world class, but he’s a solid player that can help a team every once in a while like Clint Dempsey did last weekend.
I’ll be following LD just like I do all of the Yanks abroad.
i think landon has a tendency to shine when he is not THE player on the team. best of luck to him. i hope it becomes permenant… I’m travelling to Germany in the fall and will make it a point to get to a match to see him.
Hey I have a question to ask MLS fans. My mom bought me a jersey with my last name on it – ist that cool or is it pretty lame/embarasing to wear during a game?? Thanks
landon does not measure up to german competition im a long time supporter of bayern and im pissed that they would bring a player like him to the club, if only for a few months. the only players who would ever support landon donovan are americans who know nothing better.
I suspect he’s not up to the level of Bayern’s other starters and will be a role player at best. Bayern’s probably hoping it will attract new American fans, along with Galaxy fans from other parts of the world who were sold on the Beckham hype.
Maybe they’ll push him wide. He’s great at running down long balls, good on the dribble etc.
I have a feeling it will be three swings and a miss for Mr. Landykakes.
holy sauerkraut i could hardly read that thing between trying to crack the code and imagining a drunk yoda read it. anyway, he continue gracious hard work and be, he the landon, the boy football. long as, and much sauerbraten, can stay he should and eat.
Bayern also has a slate of friendlies in the Middle East and back home prior to the Bundesliga season resuming on January 30th, so Donovan will have more than 45 days with the team (as suggested by JesseMT) before his loan spell is set to be over. And you have to imagine that Donovan will feature in many of those friendlies, since they are just the type of inconsequential games that Bayern can use to experiment with new players. Bottom line, I think Donovan will get his chance.
how come donovan never took a crack at spain? is he physical enough for the german defences?
Joe….He has TWO huge strikers to run off of….possibly two of the biggest and strongest strikers in the world……Landon will have another great season IMO, I just think he’s pumped and ready. He’s grown up since the last European run and If he gets knocked down he’ll get right back up and keep running.
joe, don’t be hatin’. of course donovan isn’t a post-up, back-to-the goal type of player. and you dont have to be in a 4-4-2 or whatever bayern play. JK has already said he’s excited to have a player w/ LD’s speed and fitness. he will stretch defenses creating gaps all over the place.
LD will have also been in training with the team for almost two months- this will not be a shock transition and that seems like plenty of time for him to get settled in. i’ll bet you he can’t wait for the first game…
DD, Olic will not join Bayern until the end of the season.
Donovan is not a striker IMO. He needs to play behind the striker and run off of him. He will have no chance in Germany if he plays up top. He doesnt have the body type to be effective in Germany. He will get beat up and then come crying back home if he does play there. If Klinsmann plays him in a position where he can shine then this might be a permanent deal.
It would be very interesting to compare his quotes from his last spell at Leverkusen to this “trial” at Bayern. I wish him luck. It’s a bit curious that MLS has not made a peep about this.
Bayern just signed Ivica Olic from SV Hamburg. That means they know have 4 strikers (3 when podolski leaves) so I doubt there’s room for Donovan.
FYI the article is available in non-Google English: http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2009/18181.php?fcb_sid=5dc63fc47c3eb30037308d6b2ca1d883
On a side note, I can’t post comments on the site via Firefox anymore, even after disablying my Firefox extras. Do you know anything about this Ives? It’s not really a big deal though.
I’m a little worried that the 45 days between January 30th and the end of the loan isn’t enough time for him to really get settled in. Sometimes it takes that long for even the best players to adapt and start producing. Of course, if Donovan’s loan becomes more permanent, that isn’t a problem. However, I have a hard time seeing MLS and the Galaxy letting go.
Of Course MLS and LA Galaxy isn’t making it official. Beckham’s not the only one who can make a good shirt sale.
Best of luck Donavan. Hopefully you can make it permanent.