Donovan Disputes With Manager

US national team striker Landon Donovan has been one of the important players for the national team over the last decade, but he appears to have fallen out with manager Jurgen Klinsmann just weeks ahead of the World Cup 2014. His role in the team has been unclear for the last few matches, but the LA Galaxy star has stated that he is not worried about his position in the team. The 32-year-old took a sabbatical recently without the permission of Klinsmann and this seems to have started a war between the two parties.

Donovan has competed in three world cups – 2002, 2006, and 2010. Despite being a veteran of such major tournaments, it is expected that he will play a fringe role in the team. He may then be used out wide when his best position is up front. Further, the likes of Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley are expected to be the main men in the team, but this does not bother Donovan. He came close to announcing his retirement from football a few years ago due to burnout. Now, he says that he is ready to accept any role within the team.

The US are involved in a tough group stage in which they have to overcome the likes of Germany and Portugal.

“I’m very much at peace with the whole process and what it’s going to be. I’m excited to help in a way I’ve never been able to before. I see it all very clearly now. I understand what it’s going to be like. I understand what it’s about. I’m not caught up right now in thinking about Brazil. I’m just focusing on what I’m doing now because I know when that time comes that I will switch gears and I’ll be able to put my entire focus on that,” said Donovan.