Landon Donovan isn’t afraid to apply what he knows about ruthlessness in soccer to Jurgen Klinsmann.
Donovan said Tuesday in an ESPNFC interview that Jurgen Klinsmann should leave his post as head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team if it loses to Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup on Saturday. Donovan arrived at the conclusion by applying the same logic about the importance of results that Klinsmann drums into his players.
Team USA hasn’t lost to Mexico in six games (three wins and three draws) under Klinsmann, but none of those carried the significance of Saturday’s clash at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The winner will represent CONCACAF in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
To some, Donovan’s opinion might appear to be based on an old grudge — Klinsmann famously cut him from Team USA on the eve of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. To others, Donovan, Team USA’s all-time leading scorer, makes a valid point.
Klinsmann has led Team USA since 2011 and boasts an impressive overall record, but the U.S. has struggled in terms of performances and results in recent months.
Klinsmann is one win shy of matching his predecessor, Bob Bradley, for second place on Team USA’s coaches’ win list in the modern era. If Klinsmann remains stuck on 42 victories by this time next week, Donovan will have more company on the chorus of those calling on the current U.S. boss to find a new job — by his own or someone else’s accord.
Thumbnail photo via Jay LaPrete/The Associated Press
