Donovan stands to benefit as Podolski move looms

 

The long and ugly saga that Lukas Podolski's inevitable transfer has become appears to be reaching a conclusion and the outcome could be great news for Landon Donovan.

The U.S. national team star stands poised to take advantage of some more avalable playing time during his loan spell with Bayern Munich now that Podolski is moving closer to a transfer back to FC Cologne, his former club.

With no other acquisitions on the immediate horizon for Bayern, Donovan should now be part of the German club's playing rotation, though a long-term deal to stay with the club seems more unlikely now that Bayern has lined up a summer move for Hamburg's Ivica Olic. That still doesn't mean that Donovan's short loan deal won't be extended beyond March, which remains a possibility, and he could still lead Bayern to make MLS an offer if he has a strong showing during his loan spell.

What do you think about Donovan's chances for playing time now? Could you see him playing a role in Bayern's Champions League campaign? Do you see Bayern making a serious offer to buy Donovan?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Cam]

I think he's staying for the long haul. He is a versatile attacking option who can play up top, central mid or out wide. As long as he actually shows up to play (unlike his last time in Germany), I see Bayern wanting to keep him in the rotation. Plus, he's only 26 or 27 years old. There is no downside for anyone involved.

[elmatador]

I think Donovan has what it takes, Bayern will want to keep him. He's the face of MLS, I hope he paves the way.

[dr dcr vcr]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11881_4738562,00.html
Olic has already signed with Bayern, according to Sky Sports.

[Kris]

Ives,

I think you have Tymoschuk confused with Zenit player Arshavin. Tymoschuk is a defensive midfielder in the mold of Torsten Frings. His move to Bayern should not impact Donovan at all. (However it will hopefully get rid of Van Bommel!)

Even with Olic coming, that doesn't mean Donovan won't fit well into Bayern's schemes. I think He can sneakily be an attacking midfielder behind a pairing of Toni/Klose/Olic distributing passes to them as a playmaker. He has the the pace to track back that the other strikers don't, so he'd be very serviceable as a change-of-pace AM playing between Schwieny and Ribery, with Tymoschuk playing the DM behind them.

By the way, sounds more and more lke Ribery is going to leave Bayern. It's a big story no one's talking about. If that's the case, then Donovan could be a stop gap on right wing as well!

[matt c]

I have no idea how he'll do long-term. However, i think this should be a good fit for him...his best chance.

LD's technically strong and makes smart runs, and those runs will pay off being surrounded by good players.

Beyond LD's skills though, is something that should not be overlooked or underestimated. He's simply flat-out fast as sh*%! and Klinsi knows it.

[Kris]

Also, for those who are unsure:

Olic has NOT official signed with Bayern. He has even stated himself that he's not going to Bayern until next year. I'd be very surprised if he ended up at Bayern this winter.

[Only1Keano]

Haha, Landycakes is so tiny next to Luca Toni.

I think he'll benefit a great deal from the talent surrounding him. It will cause him to play to his full potential while making him a more humble person. I can see him having a very successful run with Bayern.

[Bob]

In the future could we not have any more pictures of Landon standing directly next to Luca Toni?

[Tonerl]

Tymoschuk is a holding midfielder, not a striker.

Olic has signed a pre-contract with Bayern. He'll be there from July 1.

[Travis in Miami]

Does this make Podolski - Poldi cakes?

[John]

Olic's signing really won't affect Donovan all that much. They are two very different strikers, with Olic being brought on it seems like more as cover for Luca Toni.

[Eugene]

If Donovan performs to the best of his ability, I think there is a good chance of Bayern making an offer to MLS that can get approved.

[SonicDeathMonkey]

As has been pointed out numerous times before, Olic is still under contract and won't be coming to Munich until NEXT season.

[Ethan]

I get tired of hearing how poorly Donovan played previously in Germany. He really didn't play poorly, but he got discouraged by lack of playing time. In fact, he had a world class assist in one of the games he played in. Yet it takes time to build team chemistry, and to win the trust of a manager. Donovan wanted to play constantly. That combined with various maturity issues led to his return to MLS. It was not that he lacked quality.
The situation in Bayern is great for Donovan. Of course, if Bayern does not win the title this year, Klinsman is fired, and if Klinsman is fired, then Donovan will likely need to find a new home (or come back to LA).

[Experience Dogood]

It's quite simple really. If Donovan makes a real impact, and it's clear Bayern is a better team with him on the pitch, they will make MLS a serious offer. If Donovan's added value to the squad is minimal, or just slightly above average, they'll say it was a productive loan, but don't want to make a long-term agreement at this time.

[jmac]

Fantastic news. Let's hope Donovan sticks.

[Nicole]

Klinsmann said Donovan will start tomorrow's friendly. They're excited to see how he'll do.

[Goalscorer24]

I think Donovan will make an impact, the question is to what degree? My bigger fear is how outrageous a price is MLS going to ask for Donovan in order to snub his move, seeing as they did not even want to make official and announce his loan to Bayern.

[Michael F.]

Donavan will play.
Donavan will start.
Donavan load will become permanent.
Donavan will win world player of the year for 2009.

[Travis in Miami]

To further Nicoles comment (from FCB website):

“We’re curious about Landon, how he settles in his new environment and how he fits within the team structure,” commented Klinsmann, announcing his intention to start with the 26-year-old newcomer: “We’ll try and give him plenty of match practice and help him pick up the rhythm. He has to prove himself. He’s hoping to stay at Bayern for the long term.”

Also: With just two or three exceptions, each player will only cover one half per friendly, Klinsmann announced.

So don't freak if he gets subbed at half.

[Nicole]

Note to Michael F. : Your sarcasm will go further if you learn how to spell Donovan's name right.

[Scott]

To be fair to Donovan, Toni is 6'5".

I like that their socks don't match; it looks like my Sunday-league team. Do they really bring their own socks, do you think?

[ras]

Travis: Does this make Podolski - Poldi cakes?
----
*snort*

[Der Amerikanische Kaiser]

Many of you many not have since Klinsmann's remarks in the German press shortly after Donovan's trial in Munchen. His comments went something like this, "With the looming financial crisis, many clubs, to include some big clubs, may not be able to afford to buy high quality players during the transfer market."

I will leave it up to you to read between the lines, but here is how I read that- translated: As long as the MLS is willing to go with a lower than expected bid, we will buy him provided he shines when given the opportunities presented to him."

Really hope he can prove he deserves the long term contract w/Bayern and gives the MLS some bargaining power in this deal. I have tix to the match against Kaiserslautern next Monday.

Bottom line: It's up to Landon

[Der Amerikanische Kaiser]

Keano-In case you didn't know, Ribery is just as short as Donovan.

[Lucian]

The big thing in all this I think is whether or not Ribery leaves after this year. If he does leave, then I think that Donovan is cover.

[zongzap]

How about a caption for the picture? Something like

verlassen Sie eine Weise, Hobit

[PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo]

Donovan with Bayern at 5:00am PT (if I'm tracking on the times correct)...but I will be awake and streaming this game. It will be very cool to have an American starting for a team like Bayern...

[Jason]

so if Podolski goes, Olic comes in June, than do you think Donovan will be included on the Champions League Roster possibly for only 2 games?

[Mig]

yeah....it will be very cool. Look at it this way...the US has two attacking field players (LD & Jozy) now on Champions League sides from the big 4 leagues. Non-trivial progress, that.

Additionally, Bocanegra at Rennes could sneak into next years CL. Maybe Aalborg with young Marcus. Edu will see CL (qualifier) action with Rangers. Onyewu could see CL action with Liege or wherever he transfers. I'm sure I'm forgetting an American or two playing in the minnow leagues.

Not too shabby. Add in Howard, Friedel, and Guzan and you have 9 players (or more) that could potentially see time in European Cup play during calendar year 09.

Cheers,

[jpc]

I'm not sure why Ivica Olic is gonna be the guy that keeps Donovan off the field... If Donovan is at the top of his game, there are very few players in the world that are more dangerous. The problem over the years has been his inconsistency, not his talent. It sounds like he's amped, and ready to prove himself. At the end of the day, I think Olic is the one that should be worried about playing time

[Brett]

I will be swelling with pride if Landon has even an "OK" debut.

Bayern is a top WORLD club. Short of Howard at Manchester United, I can't recall an American being with such a club.

Landon haters be prepared to swallow some of the tastiest crow you'll ever get!

As for Poldi moving on, I'm surprised it's Koln who will land him. I figured him to be prime to move to another league. Of course it benefits Landon for him not to have competition ahead of him, but at the same time I don't see them as playing the same role anyway.

[Carl]

So the game is at 10am Eastern? Where can you stream it from?

[Gerry]

A question: Where would one go to stream Bayern's coming friendlies?

[Derek]

Brett,

I hope you're right. I'm not a hater, it's just that I've always seen LDs potential, but I haven't always seen the effort. Landon disappears in a lot of games. Never Mexico, but he can do MORE.

I hope we see it.

[jloome]

I seriously thing people underrate the Bundesliga here. Donovan can certainly play in that league, even start in that league. But there are a lot -- a lot -- of players of his calibre in the league as well, so to stand out enough to get a deal, given what MLS would likely ask, will surprise me. It certainly would be a heck of an accomplishment, though.

[William]

He has the technical skills to compete there, certainly. He hasn't the mettle, sadly. He'll be back in six months.

[Brett]

Harsh to say he doesn't have the mental strength.

WC06 was bad for Landon, but it doesn't erase how he rose to the occasion in 02.

Confidence is what he needs and I think this past MLS season gave him a boost. I think it'll transfer because hes going to be surrounded by quality.

[Original Aaron]

Anyone have a link where you can watch the friendly? What time is the game? (EST)

[1.FCK - TUS (-DD-)]

Donovan will play today the Full-Time.
Now the 2.Period starts.
Standing 1-1 Goal Bayer: Schweinsteiger

[1.FCK - TUS (-DD-)]

2-1 for Bayer
Goal: van Buyten

[Carl]

how are you streaming it?

[Carl]

saw the last 10 min. Landon must have only played the first 45...??

[1.FCK - TUS (-DD-)]

No, Donovan was after the Break on the Field.
And I was watching it on German TV.

[Carl]

How did he play?

[Ethan]

http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/matchreport/2009/18266.php?fcb_sid=ffe2401b8ae683fc4c310c47b8e4a0db

According to that, he was lively and had the game tying assist.

[Der Amerikanische Kaiser]

Watched the match today on DSF German TV. Before everyone gets carried away, let's put this match into perspective.

First, consider the side, Al Jazira. Although a top flight team in Arabian football, Al Jazira, which I assume is owned by the Al Jizim news, is on par with a top MLS club. Second, the good. Donovan put himself in good positions at times, but not all time. He was involved in the first two goals setting up Schweiny's game tying goal when he could have taken the shot(good decision-making), and then was tripped up at 20 meters which lead to a free kick and Van Buyten's goal putting FCB up 2-1. Third, the bad. Donovan had difficulty settling and controlling the ball in tight spaces, typical for an American. Fourth, the ugly. He had about 3 shots on goal. One of those was an open half volley from 8 meters that he blasted well above the goal showing lack of finishing touch. Another was a touch from 6 meters straight into the hands of the GK.

I would be willing to be that Der Kicker Magazine grades Donovan at best-drei (2.5) note-which equates to a B. So, not bad for a first outing, but again, don't get too excited given the competition. Next week's matches against Eintracht Bamberg and FCK should be a better test for Landon. ]

Auf gehts Landon SchuS ein Tor!

[Ethan]

Thanks Der Amerikanische Kaiser

[Charles]

JPC...have you watched Olic play? you think he should be worried by moody Landon? I don't think so. I hope Landon does well, but as far as his career goes, I think he'll do better to move elsewhere, like maybe Hamburg. Bayern are going to buy in the summer. Uli Hoeness is trigger happy to spend for the best players and unfortunately as far as world soccer is concerned Landon just doesn't have the profile.

[TimN]

I'll be interested to see the highlights when they're available. Bayern Munich's website spoke well of Donovan's performance, and categorized the missed half volley as "tricky" and "narrowly missed." As well, they described his assist as "an intelligent pass."

I think Bayern Munich as A TEAM should be concerned about their performance against this lesser club, more so than Donovan should be concerned about his individual performance. Sounds like Donovan did fine.

[Nicole]

I watched the entire game. Donovan did do fine. His touch was fine, just as good as anyone not named Ribery on the team. In fact, Landon fit right in with the team. He certainly played better than Luca Toni.

He got tired in the second half, which is understandable. The 2nd half was disjointed - the subs clearly hadn't played together and clearly are not the class of the first teamers...except Klose of course. He's first team all the way and had a class goal.

[Der Amerikanische Kaiser]

Recent coments indicate that I may be a little to hard on Landon.

First, the blog is about Donovan, not the team. Having said that, the TEAM needs to work on keeping the ball out of their end of the pitch. Careless play led to two opposing goals, one of which was an OG by Van Buyten.

Second, someone indicated that Donovan had a class goal. What game was that in?

Third, I hope Donovan will be more critical of his game than some of us are, b/c he will need to evaluate and improve on every facet of his game before the season begins to be a force to be reckon with in the technical and tough Bundesliga.

[Nicole]

American Kaiser, your fears are answered. Landon is more critical ofhis play. If you read the German newspapers, he said he was bad in front of goal. He also said he is well aware that Al Jazira is not HSV or Stuttgart. He admitted his legs were tired, and he vowed to get better.

I think his head is on straight this time and he's going to give it all he's got.