Landon Donovan's European Vacation

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.

Comments

[KingSnake]

Oh, to see Landycakes pull his b***h queen act on Oliver Kahn ...

[NateinSF]

Why not Spain? He speaks Spanish, he doesn't like the cold weather. I'm from California and tired to live in the Northeast, I understand that issue. I want him to succeed and am concerned he will have continued personal issues in Germany...

[Oranje Mike]

Warwick Davis & Val Kilmer in Willow = Landycakes & Luca Toni.

[CACuzcatlan]

What happened with Ngwenya's trial at Bayern?

[soccerroo]

I love this. I am not much of a Donovan fan because of how he handled his last stint in Germany. I think he is a great talent and needs to be playing in Europe. If he can be trained by a great striker like Klinsmann even better.

[Tom From Syracuse]

Get outta here Landy!! Go do your thing in Germany!

I think its a great opportunity for him to show his stuff, get that big game experience week in and week out. I think playing at that level will only better acclimate himself to the level that WC2010 will be played at, as opposed to the Galaxy vs. Sounders matches he'll be wasting away in here.

[MLSTrader]

Landon's attitude on Europe may have changed but the weather in Germany hasn't changed.

For an easy going guy who lives on the beach in LA - is married to a Hollywood actress - and who has repeatedly said that what's most important to him is that he is "happy"

What the F is he thinking moving to Germany?

I'm all for it - but all it's going to take is one rough patch where he is riding the bench for 2 games and then all of a sudden he'll be back on the phone to Bianca and big daddy Phil to come pick him up and bring him back home.

I'd love to see Landon be successful - but sheesh - the prospects of this happening in Spain or another warm weather local would seem higher given what we know of landycakes.

And let's just be honest - he is who he is - he needs a little TLC to be at his best - I don't think that has chagned - and the bundesliga is not where he will get that - Klinsmann or no Klinsmann.

[Steve B]

As a Galaxy fan, I know we would lose a tremendous part of our team if he leaves, but the USMNT fan inside me knows that he will be a bigger asset to our country playing in Europe. I just hope this doesn't get dragged around and disputed by the Galaxy and MLS all off-season.

Also, I didn't realize that Donovan was so short!

[Mike]

Sounds like an opportunity for another "American Star" to ride the bench at a big time club. He should stay in MLS or try a league that isn't as physical. Maybe Spain or Holland?

[Goalscorer24]

I would love to see it happen. I think it would push him to the next level, but will Donovan really be up for the challenge of fighting for a starting position? And then will the Galaxy let him leave or will they pull a New England Taylor Twellman number?

[bigboy]

Two comments

1) Donovan looks like a hobbit in that picture. Won't be winning many battles with those big guys

2) He tried this twice before and failed. Why does he think this time would be different.

I think he should forget Germany and pick another country

[nico]

"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."
I thought he already gave this a few tries, only stepping up to the challenge was not how many described the result. haha
Joking, wish him luck. Though I agree he should go to a big club in Holland, Portugal or similar, or a smaller club in Germany.

[Jamie Z.]

And if you'd like to see him in action, check out the practice videos:

http://www.eyep.tv/1.-bundesliga/fc-bayern-munchen/fc-bayern-aus-dem-leben-der-bayern-profis.html

http://www.eyep.tv/1.-bundesliga/fc-bayern-munchen/fcb-training-in-zeiten-der-personal-diskussion.html

[Amy]

Dang, according to wikipedia Luca Toni is 6'5. Donovan looks like such a little tyke standing next to him. I hope he does well at Bayern and gets some playing time unlike some of the rest of the yanks we have abroad.

[JP]

In the picture Luca Toni is a head taller than Donovan, which is just about accurate in terms of how much better Toni is than Donovan

[NONAME]

He looks tiny. That is not good.

[Matty C]

I don't get it. It's great that he's training at such a big club, but guys, Podolski can't even see the field for Munich. How is Donovan going to get time on the pitch when he'd be behind names like Ribery, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Toni, and Klose? I read that Munich would be willing to let Podolski go back to Cologne if they had a suitable replacement, and even if Landon is that replacement, the last thing we need is one more US National team player on the bench in Europe. I just hope that where ever he goes he sees a lot of time on the field and I don't think that Munich is that team.

[Beckster]

I think Donovan should get out of MLS to really maximize his potential but I look at that picture and he is so tiny I just have to wonder if Germany is the best place. Landon has not done well in the world cup with the size and the speed. I agree with the others comments above about Spain being a better place than Germany.

[Kenobi]

Beckster,

"Landon has not done well in the World Cup..."? Two goals in Japan/Korea doesn't count as "doing well"?

The only way Donovan will improve on any stage is to put himself in a situation where he's pushed every single day in training. Luca Toni is a hell of an improvement over Alan Gordon.

[Jamie Z.]

Once again, I don't understand why people are being so dismissive of this opportunity. Watch the videos -- Donovan looks good. Maybe not Toni and Ribery good, but he looks like he belongs and then some. I wouldn't count him out so casually. I think he could be very useful in rotation with Klose and Toni, and maybe add something unique to the team in the process.

You'd think you guys didn't WANT him to do well.

[jahs]

props to landon for trying...but he will never get a game at bayern if podolski couldn't...he should consider most teams spain (villareal?)

[zach]

DONOVAN TO BE TRAIN WITH BAYERN FOR 1O WEEKS, NOT 10 DAYS, IT SAYS ON THE BAYERN MUNICH SITE. CHECK IT OUT! ALSO A PHOTO GALLERY:
http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2008/17706.php

[BeantownFootball]

a.) Podolski is in the doghouse and Klinsman has said they will sell him but only if they can find a viable replacement. If Donovan is this replacement, which Klinsman has hinted at, then Bayern will have a forward rotation of Toni, Klose, and Donovan, and between domestic league, German cup, and European competition, all three would be used and used often.
b.) Donovan is too good and has too much potential to be in Portugal, Holland, or a small club in Germany. That's where good young Americans get developped (i.e. Freddy Adu, Michael Bradley) with the hope of getting to the level that Donovan is at. Yes, he messed up last time in Germany, but to be honest, he was still at an age that would roughly be right out of college. To compare him even as a Galaxy player to him as a member of San Jose is ridiculous. He has made huge strides over the past few years and has come into his own.

Donovans problem has always been that he has the skill and doesn't always impose himself and his character onto the game. During this stint with the Galaxy and a number of his recent national team performances, he has proven that he has the ability to completely run the game. Donovan's absense when the national team plays is obvious and blatant, and somewhat disturbing considering how ineffective we can be at times without him.
That being said, Donovan disappeared in 2006 in Germany. To get him to the level where he perform and take over games like that; games against top caliber teams in front of European crowds; he needs to play at a team like Bayern. Not a Fulham or even an 1860 Munich or a Benfica. A team that consistantly battles for their league title and European titles in a major league. Obviously he needs to go somewhere where he can get time. Bayern is one of them. Real Madrid and Chelsea are not. I know what type of league I'd like to see Landon in, and the Bundesliga is not necessarily one of them, but to be honest, right now, Bayern is one of those 10 or 15 big name European teams that could use a player like Donovan. All the other major clubs that could use him do not play in leagues where the level is high enough day in day out. Sporting, Porto, Benfica, Ajax, Olympiakos, Celtic, these are all name teams where he'd get in, but just wouldn't change him enough as a player.
So even though I'd like to see him somewhere else, Bayern might be it, simply because the timing is right. The only other team i can think of where he might fit in well and get legitimate time would be Sevilla

[Johnny]

Oranje Mike, I love your comment! Willow 4eva!

[Chris]

I love these videos of the Bayern players training, Donovan included. He is more than holding his own with them in those small-sided scrimmages. I know it doesn't mean much, but it means he's comfortable practicing with them and that they are comfortable playing with him - good signs

[Chris]

Dumb question, but how is Landon's fluency in German?

[Barry Jive and His Uptown Five]

Donovan is about the same size as Ribery. Luca Toni makes most everyone look like a midget.

[jmac]

Its best that Donovan goes to a place where the mananger knows and will support. That place is Bayern with Klinsmen. Even if he is the 3rd forward in a rotation -- as some people suggest Kinsmen does -- that is great situation.

[BigWave]

Zach,

Donovan will train 10 days, not ten weeks. The English article has a typo. Look at the German article:

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/de/aktuell/news/2008/17695.php

"Zehn Tagen".

[Ben]

Problem is, I haven't hear any offers from Spain or Holland or Arsenal for Donovan, who is not an unknown quantity on the world stage.

For a lame-o first year in Europe (not counting the prolonged Leverkusen false start), I would take around 10 starts at Bayern over 15 starts at Alaves any day.

[josh]

Although it is always a little unsettling when someone is (virtually) screaming in their post, Zach is right, the FC Bayern site describes Landon's stay as 10 weeks. Any clarity on that available?

[josh]

oh...

[Torrent]

"Watch the videos -- Donovan looks good. Maybe not Toni and Ribery good, but he looks like he belongs and then some." JamieZ

You can't be serious about those videos? They're not even scrimmaging in them, all they're doing is doing 5-a-side keep aways from each other. A remotely competent rec league player could do that. That's not to say that Donovan will or won't succeed, but using those videos as a basis of anything is laughable.

[Ethan]

Torrent: You didn't watch all the videos. They did scrimmage (although not full field).

Nonetheless, Donovan looked excellent, and he looked the equal to Ribery. Toni dominated the scrimmages, which isn't too surprising. Every time he got the ball close to the net it went in it seemed, but outside that Donovan did look as good as anyone. He had a sequence of passes with Ribery in the box that was fantastic.

Jamie Z. thanks for posting them.

[hokieunited]

If Bayern is seriously interested in him, and Klinsmann is a big backer of him, then I think that would be a perfect move. I know he did not have success at Leverkusen, but this seems like a better fit, despite being the bigger club.

If he goes there, Podolski will be for the off, and Donovan would probably become that third striker.

As for the comments about his height? Podolski isn't tall, neither is Ribery. Same with Lahm. Height is not a problem.

[Ethan]

Torrent:

1.) You didn't watch all of the videos because if you did, you would have seen them scrimmage, and you would have seen Donovan do pretty well (In fact, I think he actually did as well as Ribery...Toni, however, was a beast).

2.) 5-a-side keep aways with players the quality of Bayern Munich is not easy, and a remotely competent rec league player could not do it, and in fact, there are many players in the MLS who would stick out like a sore thumb playing with those guys. To be able to play with those guys you have to have a great first touch, you can't keep the ball long, and you have to constantly be aware of the space and open into it. Its much easier in theory than it is in practice (and it looks easier than it is).

Jamie Z:

You rock. Thanks for the videos.

[Isaac]

Everyone who says 'failed stint number 2 for Donovan in Germany'.....HE WAS 19!!!! Seriously people I think he's grown up just a little since then. He's not Wayne Rooney. He cant score a hat-trick on his debut.

[Krista]

Jamie Z: Thanks for the videos. How did you find them?

[MZ]

Who wants to see a Ngwenya Donovan tandem, I DO

however, only in my dreams

[eric]

...shaking my head at the beast, Toni, who owned that scrimmage...

Well, if Bayern wants a different kind of striker, Donovan would be it! I'd love to see some full field action, I'm very curious how his speed measures up to the other players.

And it is 10 days, Klinsman says so farther down in the article.

[jloome]

QUOTE:"Landon's attitude on Europe may have changed but the weather in Germany hasn't changed.For an easy going guy who lives on the beach in LA - is married to a Hollywood actress - and who has repeatedly said that what's most important to him is that he is "happy" What the F is he thinking moving to Germany?"

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.

[Al17]

Great move for Landon if it happens. He will get plenty of quality time at Bayern and the fact that he's working well with Ribery, Toni et al doesn't surprise me. Landon's style is damn near perfect for Bayern with Ribery running things in the middle, the addition of Landon makes Bayern that much more formidable an opponent. Landon can PLAY and keep in mind that although Klinsman may be big on him, we're talking Bayern Munchen, the club where the manager doesn't have the final say so on personnel. He's at Bayern because the Chief decision makers want him there and that's a HUGE ASS Deal. I hope like hell this happens. I've enjoyed watching Bayern play for the past 10 years and would enjoy it even more if Landon plays for them. Those of you knocking him and don't think he's good enough to play on a regular basis for Bayern should get a clue. You don't know the game nearly as well as you think.

[BlueWhiteLion]

Glad you corrected the ten weeks thing, yeah, the English side had it wrong. I haven't checked out the training vid's, but thanks, Jamie Z.

Don't even try to compare LD to Toni. Two different player types. So what if Toni is better. Doesn't mean LD has no place. All teams have "better" or "best" players, but it still takes a team to work together. I am intrigued by some of the things LD brings: speed, quickness, stamina, and lately: drive. Hope his training stint is like iron sharpens iron.

[Al17]

Posted by: jloome | November 12, 2008 at 09:22 PM
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.
---------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
How would you know what everyone thinks outside the US about him? I don't recalling hearing or reading of this from French clubs, so you can scratch them from this supposed group.

[Paul]

The FCB website says that he is staying there for 10 weeks. Is that a misprint?

[Mike_D]

Apparently a Bayern fan site said that the Bayern 1st team beat the reserves 6-1 with Landon playing up top with Toni. Landon scored 4 of the goals.

[Don]

4 goals? wow.. i watched the video of the practice today and it wasnt long enough to show any of his goals. i think he will impress everyone at bayern after this 10 day training stint. he will be in germany january, baring any issues with mls/galaxy. good luck landon..you have a lot of people supporting you

[Neumannator]

A weed amongst the trees...

[SonicDeathMonkey]

Ives, that second photo screams "You write the caption". And for those wondering about Ngwenya, hes playing in Turkey, I believe.

[MIDIKW]

wow...was I the only one glued to practice video of LD? Even though I'm a galaxy fan I really want to see him play in Europe....I still can't believe that I sat and watched practice videos!

[Sam]

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.

[zach]

oh, sorry. Thanks big wave. I must find jamie z's vids. I must have missed them on the blog so far.

[zach]

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.

[sublicon]

Luca is one tall drink of water.

[Charley]

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.

[bubba]

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...

[huricano]

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.

[Mark]

"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...

[JK]

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!

[smokeminside]

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?

[Michael F.]

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.

[aggies4garcia]

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

[Ben]

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.

[Sigmund Freud]

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.

[Ives]

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).

[paul Lorinczi]

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.

[PKTaker]

hilarious how big that penny is on landon...

[Monkey Boy]

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!

[Barry U]

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.

[Alex]

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:)

[Mig]

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,

[Erik]

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.

[TCompton]

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.

[Justice]

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'....

[NOLA soccer fan]

jesus christ luca toni is huge

[NJ Guy No Longer Stuck in DC]

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.

[Sean Monaghan]

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

[BlueWhiteLion]

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.

[gkells]

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!

[DRob]

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.

[r.c.]

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.

[BlueWhiteLion]

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.

[BlueWhiteLion]

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

[doc soccer]

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.

[Ives]

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).

[doc soccer]

maybe i am wrong just htink it would be hard for hit to fit in...

[BlueWhiteLion]

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.

[BlueWhiteLion]

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.

[BlueWhiteLion]

PS. A couple of papers have mentioned the possibility of a loan, "like Beckhams" if they can't reach a reasonable transfer sum.

[Betinho]

Thanks BlueWhiteLion. good stuff!

[timmyg]

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.

[BlueWhiteLion]

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.

[TL]

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.

[TCompton]

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!

[daisy]

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

[zach]

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?

[TCompton]

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.

[Raghu]

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.

[shelbo]

zach, LD is right footed, but with a great left foot. He has played right left and center at various times.

[zach]

Thanks shelbo.
So Jamie Z, post today's video!!!