Donovan Interview as the El Salvador vs. US Match Looms

Tommy, just wanted to clarify that I was sympathizing with Landon. It's not easy to be the face of an unpopular sport, and he didn't have it easy as a kid to begin with. He seems to have matured into the better side of his public persona as his game has taken off lately. Sure other guys may have handled themselves better (and most certainly worse) but I hate to condemn athletes because we never truly know what's going on in their heads or live, and they're pretty out there -- no stunt doubles, retakes or editing.

Nicole, please stop making everything about me and focus on the blog. I'm not here for a war of words.

Diane's comments reflect my thoughts completely. It is hard not to get an earfull of what Landon has to say because he is the face of U.S. soccer, which IN MY OPINION, is for the worse. U.S. soccer players have historically been tools (Wynalda, Lalas).

For good examples of how a professional should behave and interview please see Claudio Reyna/Brian McBride/Jozy Altidore. Not Landon Donovan.

I've always found Donovan's demeanor a bit arrogant, but also suspected that that might surprise him and that it was down to mannerisms. So I've been on the fence there. My bigger problem was inconsistent form, something that he seems to have dealt with quite well recently. I found his demeanor in this interview to appear less smug -- or whatever -- than others. His face is on the label of a sport that is fairly disdained in this country, maybe he's had his chin out a bit all these years. As long as he keeps up the good work on the pitch...looking forward to the game tonight.

Dana & Nicole - Thank you! You said everything in your posts I was thinking. Great posts!

There isn't any snugness. Simple as that. He's an honest interview.

The "me, me, me," was Landon's goal celebration vs. Brazil. Landon was asked about that...and he didn't even remember doing it and said he meant nothing by it. His mind went kind of blank after he scored.

Personally...I think it was a subliminal message to Bianca. :) As I said before...not an amicable split between those two.

To the two guys who are posting here that obviously don't like Landon...I repeat, then don't watch his interviews and don't read about him. It just creates misery for you...except of course, it doesn't. Because you love to just post garbage about him. That's what makes you happy. three words: get a life.**

If there's an athlete out there I don't like, I don't waste my time reading that much about him or watching his interviews or videos. And especially I don't waste my valuable time posting on message boards and blogs about him. LIfe's too short. You need to enjoy it.

**feel free to roll your eyes, Tommy. Befits your 12-year-old behavior type.

Okay, Tommy and Chris, you don't like Landon Donovan. I am really trying to understand your thinking. I still don't see the "smugness" and ME!!!! ME!!!! ME!!! you are referring to. Where is it? What did he say after the confed cup? I only heard him praise the TEAM, not himself. What are you basing this on? Show me a quote, if you want to convince me ... or is it not what he says, but the way he says it that makes you read things into it? I don't see the elitism and pompousness you are referring to.
If you think LD is a "negative stereotype" who represents a positive, non-elitist player to you?

After scoring the goal in the confed cup. . . ME!!!! ME!!!! ME!!! I guess going onto the Galaxy blog and saying anything negative about Landon is going to garner some defending comments. I have to agree with Chris too on his smugness being transparant if you pay attention. I'll admit he improved as a player, but now he has a certain bravado about him that just reeks of elitism. Also it was great of him to disappear during the Mexico game, but thats neither here nor there.

What about the interview makes you wince, Tommy?

Chris,
I understand small, and slight but, "... creepy, smug, cocky…..weird hair." I didn't find anything creepy, smug , or cocky about him. I thought he gave a great interview, He seemed thoughtful and sincere to me. I don't care what his hair looks like. I didn't know that Americans have a negative stereotype about soccer players. Which Americans are those?

There is no bias against him. He is the holier than thou, do no wrong, every word is gold - Derek Jeter of American soccer. His pompousness is pretty transparent if you pay attention.

A really nice article on the G's from MLSnet.com...

http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/ne...

LD is a class act! An honest and humble soul with loads of talent. Those of you who can't see this are probably not paying enough attention or you just have some sort of bias against him. There is no doubt that his fans outnumber his critics by a very wide margin.

Yikes. He just fits so perfectly into every negative stereotype American's have about soccer players. He's small, slight, He's a bit creepy, smug, cocky.....weird hair.....his name is "Landon"...etc.

I roll my eyes at you Nicole.

You're welcome & glad I could contribute, Jen & Glen! Thank you for the credit, Jen!

Actually, Jen deserves all the credit for spotting the Donovan link after viewing my Beckham goal link... I helped by getting her to view my link which subsequently led her to the Donovan link.

I hope everyone here has a wonderful holiday weekend...there is plenty of soccer/futbol to enjoy!!

Then don't watch, Tommy.

As for me, I love his interviews. He's one of the most honest athletes out there. Not to mention....this must have been done after practice maybe. That or the sun is hot, since his arms are glistening. I like.

Frank, thanks for the link and Jen for posting it.

Watching Landon interview makes me whince.