Why Landon Donovan is a ‘good resolution’ for SD Wave (1:40)
Ali Krieger discusses why she thinks Landon Donovan may do an awesome job at San Diego Wave as he is been appointed the membership’s interim head coach. (1:40)
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Cesar Hernandez, Workers Author, ESPN FCAug 19, 2024, 04:30 PM ET
San Diego Wave interim coach Landon Donovan is aware of he faces a “steep” studying curve in relation to coaching NWSL gamers and acknowledges that course of must occur quick and on the job.
The U.S. soccer legend, who will coach knowledgeable ladies’s staff for the primary time, was announced as Wave’s new interim last Friday. Lower than per week after his hiring, Donovan will make his debut on the sidelines Tuesday in a Concacaf W Champions Cup match towards Santa Fe FC in Panama Metropolis, Panama.
“Steep, for certain,” Donovan mentioned at his introductory press convention on Monday. “I’ve a baseline, I do know quite a lot of the gamers right here [in San Diego] from watching them all through the previous few seasons, however the remainder of the league…I will must lean on individuals, and I am getting in control quick.
“So I’ve watched a ton of movie within the final two weeks making an attempt to know the league higher.”
The 42-year-old will search to revive the NWSL Defend holders which might be at the moment exterior of a playoff place. Previous the midway level of the common season, the Wave have a 3W-6D-7L file.
“There’s gonna be plenty of bumps on the street,” mentioned Donovan. “You’ll not see a staff that is good tomorrow by any means, however there will likely be progress. I feel it will likely be clear to see. After which in the end, I feel I do not wish to dwell in concern and we simply wish to be courageous and go and attempt to do issues the best way that I understand how to do.”
Throughout Monday’s press convention, Donovan additionally shut down the notion that he sees the job as a stepping stone.
“I have been supplied 4 MLS jobs in my life since I began teaching and turned down all of them, and there is a few causes,” Donovan mentioned. “One is, in no specific order, I really like San Diego. I really like working with good individuals. I informed [club president] Jill [Ellis] once I decide in my profession, it is about individuals, ardour I’ve for it and the mission.
“I met [sporting director and general manager] Cami [Ashton] and instantly we related. I’ve recognized Alex [Morgan] for a very long time, attending to know these ladies rapidly, they’re unimaginable human beings.
“Folks questioned my motivation once I did not play in Europe my entire profession, and I used to be completely satisfied to play in L.A. and assist develop MLS round good individuals and have ardour for a mission that I believed in, and be near my household. So I am completely different in that approach, I’ve at all times been completely different. I do not fear in regards to the subsequent job or the following gig or what this implies, or the stepping stone.”
If the job is any type of stepping stone, it might be to a everlasting function with the job he simply took over, with Donovan hinting there is a risk he may keep on with the Wave sooner or later.
“The door is open, however what we have agreed on is thru the tip of the season and we’ll go from there,” mentioned the MLS Cup champion with the LA Galaxy. “We have [Donovan and Ellis] each mentioned, ‘look, if it goes properly, let’s have the dialog. If it does not, one facet does not need it or the opposite, no downside.’ There is no arduous emotions, and we’ll transfer on.”
Following Tuesday’s match in Panama, the Wave will return to NWSL play with a house recreation towards Angel City FC on Aug. 24.
Donovan’s solely teaching expertise on the skilled stage was with the now defunct San Diego Loyal within the USL Championship from 2020-22. At worldwide stage, he’s the one American to register 50-plus targets and assists for the US.
