He and Donovan have had their issues, most notably last year when Klinsmann did not hide his disapproval of Donovan’s four-month sabbatical from soccer. Donovan worked his way back, but it had been clear for a while that Klinsmann believed Donovan’s form had declined.
Yet many other coaches would have kept Donovan based on his past, bowing to the tendency to trust in the familiar when situations are uncertain. Athletes often feel that way, too; Donovan’s teammates, including Tim Howard and Michael Bradley, said as recently as this week that they believed he was critical to the team’s success.
Klinsmann was not interested. He did not discuss his roster decisions with any of the team’s veteran leaders ”” “Our picture is different than what a player has of his teammate,” he said ”” and acted swiftly and decisively.
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(NYT) Sam Borden–Dropping Landon Donovan, Jurgen Klinsmann Shows His Clout
He and Donovan have had their issues, most notably last year when Klinsmann did not hide his disapproval of Donovan’s four-month sabbatical from soccer. Donovan worked his way back, but it had been clear for a while that Klinsmann believed Donovan’s form had declined.
Yet many other coaches would have kept Donovan based on his past, bowing to the tendency to trust in the familiar when situations are uncertain. Athletes often feel that way, too; Donovan’s teammates, including Tim Howard and Michael Bradley, said as recently as this week that they believed he was critical to the team’s success.
Klinsmann was not interested. He did not discuss his roster decisions with any of the team’s veteran leaders ”” “Our picture is different than what a player has of his teammate,” he said ”” and acted swiftly and decisively.
Read it all.