Jozy Altidore is biding his time.
That's really all he can do now that his dream move to Spain has turned into a bit of a nightmare, or at least the newest chapter of his European career has turned into once since moving to Xerez on loan.
Now, instead of being with one of the top teams in Europe, Altidore is dealing with a coach who won't play him, a president who's busy doing Tony Montana impressions in front of brothels all while watching his chances to impress U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley dwindle because of his lack of playing time.
Altidore spoke with the New York Times and addressed some of his concerns, and while he tried to keep a brave face on things, you can tell he isn't very happy.
What did you think of Altidore's comments? Are you confident he'll move past this hurdle? Looking forward to see what role he has in upcoming World Cup qualifiers? Curious what Villarreal will do with him next?
Share your thoughts below.
Have you ever heard of monkey chants at a sporting event in The United States? I wrote a forty page paper that essentially investigated nationalism, racism, and xenophobia and their link to football violence in Europe…and there is nothing like it in the United States. Racism, nationalism, and xenophobia are a problem worldwide, and that includes our country. Yet, Europe is much worse by far. Check out Italian politics if you don’t believe me…some politicians there recently tried to institute segregation of foreigners on public transit.
Posted by: Ethan | March 19, 2009 at 07:45 PM
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Bwhahahaa, the most nationalistic country and fascistic nation on earth is the USA…
if you get up on a box, in whatever town, and start chanting USA USA USA, all gets ecstatic…
monster truck, drag race events, rodeo what ever event, you see the stars and stripes all over the place, and the only thing like that was Germany from, ’33 to ’45, how we talk about some-one not being a patriot because he doesnt wear a flag on the revers, the way we say that its a free country, yeah only if you are christian, state and Church isnt apart.. so we have a lot to learn!
and xenophobia LOL, come on, last election 1/3 was about immigrants, the way we suspect muslims, they way we incarcerate our own ciitzens, japanese in the 40’s now its arabs and muslims, is all xenophobia, so you better re-write the 40 page story, but hey, if you write the truth you might not get an A…
Ives – who is Altidore and Adu’s agent. The first post got it completely right – these agents are doing a dismal job.
o_o, so sorry, I missed the word ‘eligible’ for Rossi, which he was.
so what part did I make up? that he signed with ManU, and made only one appearance in the Premier league? that he was loaned to Newcastle and didn’t make much of an impact there? (sorry, 11 appearances in 24 matches with no goals and no assists isn’t much of an impact for a striker) that he was then loaned to Parma, where he finally got his legs under him?
so tell me, where exactly was Rossi starting when he was 7 months into his European career? oh right, he wasn’t. it wasn’t until he got to Parma that he made any sort of an impact.
but do tell me, what do I have wrong here? did he not spend almost two season in Manchester, making 11 appearances, mostly in Carling cup games? did he not make no impact at Newcastle? did he not get loaned again to Parma? was he not then sold to Villareal (certainly a lesser club than ManU)? players take time to mature and develop. you cannot expect to play a lot in Europe without having a couple years there under your belt. way of the world.
Dear Bob,
Dont let other managers snubbing of our young talent let you play veteran non-talent. Start Jozy agaisnt El Salvador and bring Adu off the bench, Brian Ching is not an answer up top for 2010.
-Everyone
Can someone tell Tom Rongen to pick up the f-ing phone? Maybe he won’t be in the long-term plans, but losing contact with this kid is inexcusable.
MIKKEL DISKERUD: I’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE US
briank=in over his head
ethan= hit the nail on the head, way to call out the loopy liberals that live on planet la la that think the us is some racist, angry country that is difficult to make it in for non anglo-Saxons
briank–im not disparaging your comments and agree josy is for from accomplished, but for you to say that inside info from villareall who was routinely starting and playing josy thinks he has mental issues doesnt make much sense, the lack of playing time started when he left villa. and i was 5 for 5 on my ncaa bets
northzax
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Your info on Rossi is totally wrong.
stop making things up
Guiseppe Rossi (yes, he was a US youth player at time)
Posted by: northzax
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Which planet do you live in?
Rossi has been playing with Italy’s NT Youth teams since 2003 . He played for Italy’s u16,u17,u19 and u21 team after he joined parma Dec of 1999.
John V., I was just about to post that same quote and proclaim my love for Mr. Josmer
Lads,…get a grip. Let me tell you all something…this comes from someone very, very, very much in the know:
Jozy is lacking something upstairs. His work habits are questionable. Apparently he just doesn’t have the focus for the Villareal level. They are disapointed with him.
So drop the racist nonsense. In short,…Jozy has to get his sh*t together and focus on being the best he can be.
Can’t be more specific. Sorry.
Robert:
Americans who have had shots with top four teams? how about Tim Howard, Guiseppe Rossi (yes, he was a US youth player at the time) and Kenny Cooper at ManU alone? considering that there are roughly 150 Americans (maybe 175) playing top division soccer anywhere in the world, (MLS counts here) the fact that three have had a good shot at the best club in the world in the past decade would put your theory of bias to a serious test.
Altidore, Adu, Bradley and the like are really the first generation of professionals the US has produced from our domestic league and post-World Cup development programs (like Bradenton) and there are more of them than the previous lot (Donovan, Convey, DMB, Boca) before them there was basically nothing in the way of organization and player development. 19 years ago the US sent a team of basically college players and semi-pros to a World Cup against teams boasting Donadoni, Maradona, Mattheus and Gascoigne. we’ve now developed two generations of pros, each one better and deeper than the previous one. and you can put that right on MLS. the group of kids who are 16 now will be even better. when you come into a new situation, you have to beat someone else out. Xerez has strikers, Villareal has strikers (pretty damn good ones, too) remember that this is a guy who last year played seven games in MLS and notched three goals, against much worse competition. why is anyone expecting him to start now?
sure, there may be some odd conspiracy to keep US players down by spending a lot of money for them and then sitting them all the time (interesting strategy, that let’s pay a lot of money to keep them down) but isn’t it a lot more likely that US players aren’t as good at younger ages? by 18-19, your average European or South American player has been training in a professional environment for 5-6 years, beating someone out every year to stay in the game. how many US-based players have grown up in that cutthroat of a system?
jloome:
Have you ever heard of monkey chants at a sporting event in The United States? I wrote a forty page paper that essentially investigated nationalism, racism, and xenophobia and their link to football violence in Europe…and there is nothing like it in the United States. Racism, nationalism, and xenophobia are a problem worldwide, and that includes our country. Yet, Europe is much worse by far. Check out Italian politics if you don’t believe me…some politicians there recently tried to institute segregation of foreigners on public transit.
Welcome to European football…
We wanted this. We wanted Jozy in a league that doesn’t suit his strengths because we want him to develop. And because he isn’t suited to the league, he isn’t impressive enough to play.
Europe is notoriously racist, xenophobic, and nationalistic.
This issue isn’t necessarily about anti-Americanism, but more about the racist and nationalist tendencies in European football.
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And what the hell, exactly, do you think Europeans think of Americans? If you’re labouring under the impression that America is a more “tolerant” society than most in europe, you’re kidding yourself.
Adu’s situation shouldn’t even be put in the same breath as Altidore’s. Altidore is simply getting screwed over. In Adu’s case, he’s just not better than the other options Monaco’s got. If you watch French football, which I doubt, then you would know that Monaco has a young squad especially in the attack. Guys like Licata, Nimani, Park Chu Young, Juan Pablo Pino, and Yohan Mollo are all better than Adu. Even Gakpe and Sagbo, who are in the stands along with Adu are better than him. Adu shouldn’t play just because he’s an American. Being anti-american has nothing to do with it. What? Just because the great Freddy Adu signed, on loan btw, with a “lowly” French side, you thought he would get playing time. Please.
I have to agree with MadMax. I wish agents, the MLS and even the players would work better transfer deals. It’s a joke when our country’s young soccer stars don’t even get dressed up. Either keep them in the MLS until they are ready for prime time or do similar loans like Landon Donovan’s during this off-season to test out the waters before commiting to a transfer where a player is not ready for. I hope Sasha Klesjtan is listening.
TK – you may not like my comment and find it unintelligent, but i think it has some merit.
I read articles and quotes constantly and the tone is definately not pro-american. Altidore and Adu as an example, showed up Pato and brazil in canada, but Pato is still more respected and playing for milan and they are sitting the bench.
the americans you listed play for teams that are considered small and after thoughts. When have you seen an american player considered for a top 4 team. Are american palyers not capable, i think they are, but apparently other people don’t.
I remember being in london during the 2002 world cup. My friend, an englishman who was a publisher of football books, said Europe was scared of the US becoming good at soccer. worried that the US would steal their thunder and money. I took that comment with a big grain of salt, but it doesn’t change the fact that he truely beleived it.
Is there a bias? I don’t know, but i think the evidence points to there being some.
Your arrogance is what doesn’t let you see it. if you think it’s great that american players play for relegation strugglers fine, but there is such as thing as being type-cast.
you always sign players you have no intention of playing immediately. Jozy is 18. there are very few 18 year olds getting regular playing time in La Liga. heck, there are very few getting regular time in any of the top leagues.
I’d just like to remind everyone that Guiseppe Rossi didn’t start at VR until he was 21. he played a few cup games for ManU, was loaned to Newcastle at 18, played once. you buy a player young, you expect him to train for a while before earning a spot.
the following useless players with no future were signed to senior team contracts with top sides but didn’t play much at 18:
Cristiano Ronaldo (became a starter at 19)
Lionel Messi (starter at 19)
Thierry Henry (started half the games at 19 as Monaco)
Diego Maradona (full time starter at 19 with Argentinios Jrs.)
shall I keep going? seriously? talk with your feet, not with your mouth. If you aren’t playing, show Villareal that you are the consummate professional and will work your a** off. they’re watching, his future teammates are watching.
Posted by: northzax | March 19, 2009 at 03:56 PM
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Altidore is 19 not 18 and your info on Rossi is wrong
Jozy, We’re behind you 100%!!!
I’m a big fan of brandon’s analysis of Adu/Donovan/Altidore.
I’m also a big fan of how Altidore ended his statement with “Its a bit wierd….”
I also agree that this crappy situation is Villareal’s fault…they should’ve investigated a bit more into Jozy’s playing chances instead of just accepted the word of the currently-incarcerated president.
For those who keep screaming force the coaches hand keep training and stop complaining, have never been discriminated against. It dosen’t matter what you do, how you train, thats why its called a glass ceiling and if you don’t think that its true you need to really wake up and realize this takes place in many facets in life and the only true way to beat it is to open up and talk about it. I think Jozy is doing the right thing, this situation is soo similar to robby keane its crazy but atleast robbie got a chance and had a place to fall back on, I don’t blame Jozy at all or his agent this debacle falls squarely on villareal.
Ethan – awesome post.
Its not that we really think all Americans deserve a starting spot and we don’t believe that every club has a vendetta against American players.
Situations like the one with Beasley, Edu, Szetela, and Donovan at Bayern are frustrating, but more common in Europe. Is there anyone really out there saying that Guzan and Zizzo are getting screwed over? You cannot deny that there is no logic in the screwed up club situations of Jozy and Adu.
This issue isn’t necessarily about anti-Americanism, but more about the racist and nationalist tendencies in European football.
Indie,
I have to hand it to the Inquisition. They made some of the neatest torturing devices. Heck, they would have made the prior administration misty-eyed.
Cheers
As a fan of the yanks that are playing in europe i have learned a big lesson this year. There is a large difference in opinion between the president/gm of the club and the coach.
Case #1: Adu at Monaco. President loves Americans. Coach loves to lie about also loving Americans.
Case #2: Donovan at Bayern. GM, Uli Hoeness, loathes Landon while coach Klinnsy loves Landon but must balance his public statements so as to not upset the all wise Uli.
Case #3: Altidore at Xerez. President loves Altidore and prostitutes. Coach loves winning with his assembled team.
Shoulda stayed with RBNY!
Look, I’ve had it in for Spain since the inquisition. As far as I’m concerned, Jozy getting treated this way is a far better reason to go in and carpet bomb than anything Iraq ever gave us.
I’d remind folks that while I joke…. wars have started under far lesser premise.
I hear that in soccer there’s no such thing as a guaranteed minutes clause (as there is in nearly every other sport on the planet). I’d suggest that before any American go over to third-world, developing countries like Spain (yup, my tongue is in cheek), that we make sure that the clause is in place and that international court recognizes it. Otherwise, stay over here and be glad you’re playing every game day.
“It’s not even close between club and country,” he said. “I can’t choose Xerez over the United States even though some people seem to think that me going will be at the expense of getting playing time with Xerez. I don’t know what they expect me to do. It’s a bit weird.”
This is why I love Jozy.
Keep your head up Jozy! Villareal will bring you back into the fold as soon as the can. Don’t worry with Xerez, just enjoy your paid vacay there in Spain and try to score goals for USA.
TK:
Regarding the intelligent part, are you talking about your own post?
Europe is notoriously racist, xenophobic, and nationalistic. Do you remember Perugia’s reaction to the South Korean player (Ahn Jung-hwan) who scored on Italy in 2002? Or Paolo Di Canio’s fascist salute (and the Lazio fans returning it)? Or the numerous instances of racism on the pitch in Europe including when Zaragoza fans made monkey noises at Eto’o leaving him in tears (and he memorably went to Alvaro, a black Zaragoza player to demonstrate that they were insulting him as well).
The management of all the teams in Europe are not xenophobic and racist, and all fans aren’t either, but some teams are, some fans are, and it is a problem.
If it weren’t a problem, the British press wouldn’t care what nationality their national team coach was, but per usual, there was controversy whenever Capello was hired, and it is the only reason McClaren ever got the job (worst coach ever?)
In Jozy, Villareal was stockpiling an asset, feeding the pipeline, if you will. They will develop him (on the roster OR out on loan), and then play him regularly (or loan) until they committ to him long-term or SELL him (for Villareal, hopefully for more than they paid). The risk is how much he will appreciate in value to the club. Villareal cannot be happy that Xerez are not getting him any PT, because they need to start seeing their “asset” appreciate in value.
you always sign players you have no intention of playing immediately. Jozy is 18. there are very few 18 year olds getting regular playing time in La Liga. heck, there are very few getting regular time in any of the top leagues.
I’d just like to remind everyone that Guiseppe Rossi didn’t start at VR until he was 21. he played a few cup games for ManU, was loaned to Newcastle at 18, played once. you buy a player young, you expect him to train for a while before earning a spot.
the following useless players with no future were signed to senior team contracts with top sides but didn’t play much at 18:
Cristiano Ronaldo (became a starter at 19)
Lionel Messi (starter at 19)
Thierry Henry (started half the games at 19 as Monaco)
Diego Maradona (full time starter at 19 with Argentinios Jrs.)
shall I keep going? seriously? talk with your feet, not with your mouth. If you aren’t playing, show Villareal that you are the consummate professional and will work your a** off. they’re watching, his future teammates are watching.
Quote – “The more i see these stories of americans not doing well, the more i wonder if there is an inherent prejudice against american players in Europe. I wonder if it will take some Messi type player ot gain respectability or what, but i have a hard time believeing that Altidore can’t cut it at Xerez or Adu can’t cut it at monaco. Some people just don’t want the US to succeed at football, or at least it’s starting to seem that way to me.”
Yeah. Kind of like with Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey. The French hate Americans as you know so I bet Boca tells them he is Mexican. I’m sure that’s why Rennes play him. Gooch of course just tell people he is Nigerian.
This site can make BigSoccer look intelligent. A hard, hard thing ot do.
IS this move really more fantasy than reality?
I was amused by what Jozy said at the end of that article about media/fans apparently questioning his commitment to Xerez for leaving to play in WCQ games.
Come on…..you’re the club he’s gonna spend less than six months with and you’ve never let him out of the stands. Maybe this anti-USA bias theory has more weight to it than i thought….
Besides, he’ll probably get more minutes playing two games for the US than in his total time with Xerez.
Tim,
I feel your pain. The Villarreal sporting director Llaneza has acknowledged that they messed up the loan situation, twice. (1) The loan should have been made at the beginning, when they first got Jozy. If he had gotten playing time, the team could’ve claimed him during the winter transfer window for the second half if needed. (2) The loan in January should have happened sooner, and unfortunately he went to Xerez (and we already know how good it is going.)
Now, the Jozy deal from MLS to Villarreal happened too late for him to participate on a full pre-season (at Villa or another team on loan). Villarreal started the season with only two strikers, therefore Jozy came in handy, but once they got all the players back, he could not get playing minutes. It didn’t help that the team also got bounced from the Copa del Rey.
As per your complain about team with players sitting, it happens on all over Europe, and even to established players. Take for example Claudio Pizarro. He was scoring like crazy for Bayern and Chelsea picked him up. He barely got any minutes the past season. He is now back in the Bundesliga scoring again for Werder Bremen. Remember Shevchenko? And that is just one offending team.
Villarreal, like any other team is just buying insurance for the future. Llorente is getting old. Rossi might leave for Italy. Guille Franco is not likely to return. And Nihat has been too injury prone. Some will pan out, some wont.
Cheers
@USfooty:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=brothel%20xerez&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Pico,
I was responding to the question on whether he could be recalled from the loan.
I made no mention of whether Villareal should do this or whether this would be a good thing for Jozy. Not sure why you addressed me with your response.
The converse to your argument is that if he isn’t going to play at Xerez he is better off going back to Villareal and training with the first team there and playing for their reserve team and maybe getting in a couple of meaningless games at the end of the season (if Villareal’s place in the table is solidified).
Again, I really don’t care either way, I just hope he keeps his head up and uses this as motivation.
Altidore gave a good honest interview in the Times. Obivously he is frustrated but I am glad to see he didn’t act like typically 18 yr old and complain to the press.
He expressed his frustration without disrespecting the coach, club, or fans. Hopefully he can stay mentally tough and keep his head right and I am sure he will be getting his chance to prove himself in Spain soon.
Villareal has 4 strikers on loan, although i im pretty sure that Jozy and Flores are at the top of the pecking order for those four.
My hope is that if Xerez is promoted Jozy has a chance to play against them next season.
The more i see these stories of americans not doing well, the more i wonder if there is an inherent prejudice against american players in Europe. I wonder if it will take some Messi type player ot gain respectability or what, but i have a hard time believeing that Altidore can’t cut it at Xerez or Adu can’t cut it at monaco. Some people just don’t want the US to succeed at football, or at least it’s starting to seem that way to me.
could someone explain, with pictures, what a brothel is? 🙂
Pico,
I see your point about working hard, nothing being guaranteed, and the need to develop your game. However, I also don’t think these clubs should sign players that they never really have any intentions of playing. Why did Villareal go after Altidore when they already have 4 strikers, and 3 more out on loan…it makes NO sense. Then, to add insult to injury, they loan him to a club that evidently has questionable management, and who isn’t giving him a single opportunity on the pitch, not even a few minutes at the end of a game…RIDICULOUS. Hopefully for Altidore his contract with Villareal is a short one so he can get the heck out of there and onto a club who, one, needs a striker, and two, will given him an opportunity to play.
I look forward to Xerez getting ROMPED on when they play in the top flight next year. Bunch of jokers.
Jozy can be recalled if it was in the loan clause. I’ve googled it and can’t find anything.
Chase,
Jozy would not get playing time guaranteed if he were to go back to Villarreal. He would still have to fight his way above the four strikers they already have.
I can’t recall where I read it, but apparently Villarreal also have three other strikers on loan that could also go back to the main club.
At this point, Jozy needs to just keep working hard and demonstrate that he belongs and should be played. No one said it was going to be easy, according to Jozy’s own words.
Cheers
One would assume that Villareal can recall Altidore (Liverpool did this with Kristian Nemeth-a promising young striker who was on loan at Blackpool), unless there was an initial loan fee involved (which usually isn’t the case with young players loaned out to get experience).
This article makes it sound like the Levante move is highly unlikely and more fantasy than reality.
Do a Landon and come on home to the Red Bulls, Jozy! You would both benefit!
I think Jozy has a good attitude about it all, even though you can sense the frustration. I feel for him, but if he can keep his head in check, he should be able to pull out of this well. He’s a mature kid for his age, and I think he’s got what it takes to maintain a positive mentality. I haven’t given up, so I sure as hell hope he doesn’t either…
Villareal has to start putting some pressure on Xerez. Can the loan be undone if it is not the transfer window?
Jozy and Freddy need agents that won’t put them in places like this.