I had been coaching for twenty years when a player asked to come out of the game because he needed a rest. I had never heard of such a thing. Who needs a break from playing? Did he think his spot on the pitch was eternally secure? I had always played on good teams and knew that once I got in, I did not want to come out. Playing was the reward and the joy and the greatest desire. Of course I never played at the highest level, and I feel bad for these guys if playing is not a joy, but a chore, but I think they play for themselves, not for the love of the game, not for their countries, but maybe being a pro these days consumes every aspect of their lives, and it’s just not rewarding to play in and of itself.
Love listening to this guy. I spent some time talking to him during my days with Orlando city during preseason camp at IMG in 2019. He was with Colorado Rapids at this time. Very knowledgeable. He’s actually spot on here. Remember, there was a time when Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim and Marcus Hahnemann were all playing and starting for premier league teams at the same time. Think about that, and compare to today. Big difference. And oh, Brad Guzan too.
Absolutely right. Nobody should ever have that complete feeling of team security. They don't have it at their clubs. They shouldn't have it for their country. Earn your place with your performances. There's no other way to be successful.
If your job is to hold US Soccer accountable then why do you overlook the glaring issues of us soccers leadership and the good old boys club. All they want to do is make money off the World Cup, they could care less about results
Isnt kind of hypocritical to say it's about the team, but then also be just worried about losing your spot, so playing injured, then letting someone whos hundred get a shot.
yall gotta remember theyre from an era where they had to play or lose their spot… thats the way i grew up and you never wanted to lose your spot so you went all out…. they got way too much talent to be playing like this
Donovan of all people needs to shut his mouth on this issue. He took six months off in his prime in 2013 while the team was struggling in world cup qualification. They learned to win without him and he was not selected to the world cup 2014 team….and he was upset about it at the time. He doesn't have a leg to stand on here
Who cares what Donovan has to say about anything? He may be considered decent, at best, by American standards, but for Football as a whole, he was a Sunday leaguer.
Moved to the US 10 years ago. I love the rise of soccer here and truly want to adopt the US as my second team (England will always come first) but jees these players make it hard and honestly so many fans truly believe the players are like properly elite. Pulisic has gotten too much credit for years and it's gone to his head. He is a really good player but not great and his attitude is probably what's stopping him taking the next step. I think that's why he failed in the prem as he didn't like not being the main man. What I don't understand is why people think there is a lack of talent and back fills.. because I honestly don't think there is the MLS has produced to top performers and building a team of performers will always be better than a group of individuals.. I could easily say the same about England.. too many big names not enough togetherness
The USNMT right now has so many players in top European teams than back in the day but have not produced the results as the team did back in the day 10-15 yrs ago. so he is right about the mentality they are super talented but there is no drive
These two are totally obnoxious and have high opinions of themselves and yet both in World Class terms were average at best. There is a level of bitterness with some former USMNT players that is so evident.
He has a point but I also agree our top players shouldn’t risk injury. Honestly, this is a win/win- less experienced players get to show what they’re made of, maybe even knock someone out of the first team, and the most skilled players can avoid overtraining.
37 Comments
McKennie arrived at Leeds overweight. What kind of mindset made him think that was okay?
I had been coaching for twenty years when a player asked to come out of the game because he needed a rest. I had never heard of such a thing. Who needs a break from playing? Did he think his spot on the pitch was eternally secure? I had always played on good teams and knew that once I got in, I did not want to come out. Playing was the reward and the joy and the greatest desire. Of course I never played at the highest level, and I feel bad for these guys if playing is not a joy, but a chore, but I think they play for themselves, not for the love of the game, not for their countries, but maybe being a pro these days consumes every aspect of their lives, and it’s just not rewarding to play in and of itself.
Tim Howard is a true winner and you can tell by his mentality. An athlete's heart is something we don't account for enough
Love listening to this guy. I spent some time talking to him during my days with Orlando city during preseason camp at IMG in 2019. He was with Colorado Rapids at this time. Very knowledgeable. He’s actually spot on here. Remember, there was a time when Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim and Marcus Hahnemann were all playing and starting for premier league teams at the same time. Think about that, and compare to today. Big difference. And oh, Brad Guzan too.
Just like you got held accountable for missing a World Cup when you lost to a Caribbean nation !!??? Kinda like that tim?
This guy, an american once was the no. 1 pick goalkeeper for Manchester United. Let that sink in for the young guys.
Absolutely right. Nobody should ever have that complete feeling of team security.
They don't have it at their clubs.
They shouldn't have it for their country.
Earn your place with your performances.
There's no other way to be successful.
If your job is to hold US Soccer accountable then why do you overlook the glaring issues of us soccers leadership and the good old boys club. All they want to do is make money off the World Cup, they could care less about results
Tbh it doesn’t seem like he enjoys talking about football. Always giving Eeyore vibes announcing lineups 🫏 bring some excitement my dude
For the Gold Cup.🙄🙄
Brilliant. Entitlement is for losers.
Well said. These current players are more worried about their tattoos than playing the game. Very unprofessional
Isnt kind of hypocritical to say it's about the team, but then also be just worried about losing your spot, so playing injured, then letting someone whos hundred get a shot.
yall gotta remember theyre from an era where they had to play or lose their spot… thats the way i grew up and you never wanted to lose your spot so you went all out…. they got way too much talent to be playing like this
So stop complaining…..push and fight for promotion relegation
The old USA team would destroy this new one
Westen mckennie is playing in the club WC so you can’t blame him for not playing in gold cup
Spot on, Manchester United feel this culture too
Donovan of all people needs to shut his mouth on this issue. He took six months off in his prime in 2013 while the team was struggling in world cup qualification. They learned to win without him and he was not selected to the world cup 2014 team….and he was upset about it at the time. He doesn't have a leg to stand on here
All of them are average. Pulisic is pretty average too.
The United States team is not that good! I'll keep saying this. They're best players are squad players at best for top international teams
Usmnt is not good and will get embarrassed summer 2026. Big up Antoniee Robinson tho he’s a fantastic player
yes Tim don’t worry we already know you don’t care about your country just the money it can pay you. you don’t need to tell us anymore
Who cares what Donovan has to say about anything? He may be considered decent, at best, by American standards, but for Football as a whole, he was a Sunday leaguer.
Moved to the US 10 years ago. I love the rise of soccer here and truly want to adopt the US as my second team (England will always come first) but jees these players make it hard and honestly so many fans truly believe the players are like properly elite. Pulisic has gotten too much credit for years and it's gone to his head. He is a really good player but not great and his attitude is probably what's stopping him taking the next step. I think that's why he failed in the prem as he didn't like not being the main man. What I don't understand is why people think there is a lack of talent and back fills.. because I honestly don't think there is the MLS has produced to top performers and building a team of performers will always be better than a group of individuals.. I could easily say the same about England.. too many big names not enough togetherness
He literally says they need to play even if they aren’t 100%, then immediately says he was injured as a result of not playing at 100%. Insane.
After watching his performances for Leeds I’d have to agree with him 😂
these guys acting as if people care about team USA
I feel like Americans just need to get used to being shite like England are
Tim the bald moron
The USNMT right now has so many players in top European teams than back in the day but have not produced the results as the team did back in the day 10-15 yrs ago. so he is right about the mentality they are super talented but there is no drive
When he came to Leeds I was excited , untill I seen the size of him and realised quickly he didn't come to put up a fight.
These two are totally obnoxious and have high opinions of themselves and yet both in World Class terms were average at best. There is a level of bitterness with some former USMNT players that is so evident.
Disgusting init
He has a point but I also agree our top players shouldn’t risk injury. Honestly, this is a win/win- less experienced players get to show what they’re made of, maybe even knock someone out of the first team, and the most skilled players can avoid overtraining.
if you leave the door open and someone who can perform BETTER than you comes in… thats better for the team…. ffs its not all about you and your ego
Your right 100%