Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 8, 2024 10:56 pm GMT
| Title | Content |
|---|---|
| San Diego Wave’s Landon Donovan talks tactics, Alex Morgan and being the coach he never had |
Before starting his interim head coaching role with the San Diego Wave, Landon Donovan prepared extensively, even having his children quiz him with flashcards of players and staff. His excitement for coaching is palpable, waking up at 3 a.m. with anticipation. With only two games into his tenure, the Wave has managed to score two goals after a prolonged scoring drought. Donovan emphasizes the importance of playing closer to goal, pushing for a more aggressive and high-press style of play. Although currently twelfth in the standings with a 3-8-7 record, Donovan is determined to secure a playoff spot and potentially a championship. He adopts a player-first approach, valuing emotional connections and establishing trust with his team. Donovan’s coaching style contrasts with traditional methods that can be emotionally distant. He believes in the necessity of addressing players’ emotional well-being as much as their tactical training. This includes heart-to-heart discussions with team leader Alex Morgan, who recently announced her retirement and a pregnancy. Donovan is keen on creating an environment where players feel valued and engaged, which may be key to reviving the team’s performance in the remainder of the season. |
| Landon Donovan says youth soccer in the U.S. is a disaster |
On a recent podcast, Donovan expressed his concerns about the current state of youth soccer in the U.S., labeling the system as a disaster. He criticized the emphasis on winning at a young age, arguing that the focus should be on skill development instead. Drawing from his experiences as a parent involved in youth soccer, he highlighted the cultural issues undermining the potential of young athletes. According to Donovan, the obsession with winning even at the age of six negatively impacts player development. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where children can enjoy the game and develop skills without the undue pressure of competition. Donovan’s insights echo a broader critique of the “pay-to-play” model in American soccer, which has been criticized for creating inequities and stifling grassroots talent development. |
| Landon Donovan’s Fresh Tactics Boost San Diego Wave in NWSL |
Donovan’s interim coaching role has begun to show results, as seen in the team’s more structured approach within the game. The Wave’s first match under Donovan ended in a narrow loss to Angel City, but the team began to find rhythm in their subsequent game against the Washington Spirit, achieving a 1-1 draw. Donovan remains optimistic and continuous improvements are seen in player performance, despite challenges such as roster changes and the recent retirement announcement of Alex Morgan. He recognizes the challenges ahead but is committed to fostering a high-pressing strategy that requires all players to transition quickly and adapt to new methods. His focus on creating a conducive environment for players to thrive emotionally and athletically hopes to translate to better on-field performances in the crucial games ahead. |
