Ahead of USA’s match against the Czech Republic in Prague on Wednesday, reporters couldn’t wait to ask Jurgen Klinsmann about his decision to call up Landon Donovan for a final appearance in the U.S. match against Ecuador in October. The USMNT head coach shocked the world a couple of months ago with his decision to not name Landon Donovan in the U.S. squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
At first, Landon tried to not get involved in controversial arguments with Klinsmann after his decision, but he ended up criticizing the USMNT’s approach in the World Cup after getting knocked out by Belgium in the Round of 16.
“I don’t think we were set up to succeed.” Landon stated.
On Tuesday, Jurgen Klinsmann had his word on his decision to call up Landon Donovan again, this time for a friendly match in October.
“It's not awkward at all for me. As a player, obviously he deserves every piece of recognition for an amazing career. [He's] done so much for the national team program. It's a pleasure to give him that farewell match and give him that recognition.
“That he is upset about that decision and not going to the World Cup is, for me, a good reaction. It means he cares,” Klinsmann said. “That he's made some statements that he's not content, sees it differently, that's legitimate and that's totally fine with me.”
