Not all, but so many of the responses to comments on either side, in this and other blogs, come down to either “anyone who criticizes MLS, Donovan, or fans of either are eurosnobs/should go back to where they came from and/or stop watching/commenting on MLS” or, on the other hand, “MLS, Donovan are shite and US fans are ignorant.”

The events themselves, the impact on the team, on the players attitudes and form, the ensuing tension between the players, were not new stories in professional sports — by a long shot. And as we see, a winning locker room does turn out to be a happy locker room. I was more saddened by how much national insecurity/enmity I now see colors so much of this and similar discussions. Hoping to see that addressed more directly in more forums, and probably will leading up to the WC if there’s a similar version regarding the NT.

Landon was a boy when he went to Germany the first time — and still young the second time. Europeans, generally, are more mature at an early age than Americans.

This last loan to Bayern Munich — it was all Klinsmann. He loved Landon. Knew his potential. Knew he could fit in. Landon didn’t get a transfer for three reasons:

1. The GM of Bayern was not impressed. Landon’s fault? Perhaps. But Landon also didn’t get much playing time in regular season because of it. Klinsy was on the way out soon after as well. So Landon’s ability to prove himself was hamstrung from the beginning.

2. MLS wanted a huge, HUGE amount of money for the transfer. They wanted seven figures (fact, don’t have my source in front of me right now though — posting remotely). Under the above circumstances, that’s not going to happen. That might happen now after his Confederations Cup performance and his current form with the Galaxy. Except . . .

3. Landon is still under contract with the Galaxy. Even if the MLS gets its seven figures, will the Galaxy let him go that easily? I don’t think so. The Galaxy would fight to turn down the transfer. HE is our gravy train (and much loved and respected by the team, management, and fans — regardless of the business side). Beckham playing for LA? If we don’t have Landon Beckham loses half of his flair and productivity. Instead of scoring possibilities with every touch of the ball — the fans have to live with moments of brilliance and a lot of chasing the ball. Even with Beckham on the pitch? Yes.

OK! Go enjoy the Big Games with the Biggest Clubs and the Best Managers, Mr. Euro-snob! We get it… too bad you don’t!!

You state a lot of “facts” Ryan, but I don’t know that they are true. I have not heard that Beckham’s “record of performance and professionalism is unquestioned at the highest levels of his sport – both club and country. ” I have read the opposite. I have seen the opposite in how he has not honored his commitment to the Galaxy. I would say it is a matter of opinion.

How do you know that Donovan “did’nae go to Bayern to train for the forthcoming LAG season He went to earn a permanent move. It did’nae materialize. If it had, he’d be gone.” ? Has he said that? What makes you think that? Is it just that that is what you think American soccer players should do? I don’t want Donovan to go because then I will only get to see him play on the national team.
If it is the collective word of “SAF, Fabio Cappello, Carlo Ancelloti, the entire PNE staff, ” I don’t even know who they are, so their word doesn’t mean anything to me.

Are you a Galaxy fan? I know you are not a Donovan fan, and you don’t sound like a fan of MLS.

Dana

Facts:
1. Donovan’s place in his Nationalside is not in jeopardy dependant on his club. Beckham’s is.

2. Both Lando and Golden Balls’ loans were during an extended off-season.

3. Golden Balls performed well enough to earn an extension. Lando did’nae.

4. Golden balls has a record of performance and professionalism unquestioned at the highest levels of his sport – both club and country. Lando’s is suspect in all corners.

All I’m saying is you’re quick to judge. Landycakes “came home”? Ahhh, how quaint. Perhaps if he’d half the nuts of…
Clint Dempsey: initially surprised at the effort required in daily training to earn and maintain a place in the side. Fought through it and is a starter and star.
Jay Demerit: Showed up with nothing but the clothes on his back. Played Sunday league and worked his way into Watford’s captaincy.
Johnathan Spector: Earned his way to a transfer to West Ham, then fought back from serious injury to regain a place in the side.
Eddie Lewis: regarded as the American Beckham in Preston North End as well as Leed’s United and Derby County.
Brian McBride: Absolute Fulham Legend.
Roy Wegerle: Still adored in QPR
Zach Whitbread: Earned promotion as well as a starting role in CD for Millwall.
Maurice Adu: Completely changed the nature of Rangers FC in overhauling Cel’ic to win SPL…Landycakes could’ve made it.

However, by your own admission, he elected to come back to a second tier league and be a big fish in a small pond. Do we remember when Lando was the highest payed player in MLS? Now, he’s been eclipsed by at least three players. As well, his fortunes abroad continue to frustrate.

Loan / Transfers happen for two reasons:
a. not enough playing time for your current club.
b. not good enough talent in your current league.

Lando did’nae go to Bayern to “train for the forthcoming LAG season”. He went to earn a permanent move. It did’nae materialize. If it had, he’d be gone.

Sounds like sour grapes to me. I’ll take the collective word of SAF, Fabio Cappello, Carlo Ancelloti, the entire PNE staff, not to mention former teamates, such as MacDonald, Martino and Klein over a player with questionable histories of motivation and performance on the larger stage.

Ryan

Do we remember this is a man who was “petulent” enough to request a transfer back from Germany originally because of “homesickness”?

Do we forget this is a man who went on loan to Germany again, and failed to land a bid – or get his loan deal extended?

LD is an great American soccer player. He is at best an average global football player. All those things he does against CONCACAF / COMNEBOL competition are like playing against the MLS.

DB is still desired by the real titans of global football. Schelotto is not. Niether is Blanco. Neither is McBride, et al.

Instead of roasting DB because LD throw his toys oot the pram, why not investigate Lalas lack of aquiring proper defenders? DB made LD, Buddles’ and Gordon actual offensive threats. I don’t remember LD doing that on his own.

LD can piss-off. As well, if he’d had his loan at Bayern extended, would any of you be saying any of this?

Don’t lie…

Ryan