Foot & Soccer

USWNT star raises concerns about Wave hiring Donovan

USWNT star raises concerns about Wave hiring Donovan

As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) resumes following its Olympic break, the league has witnessed several significant changes. Among the most notable is the hiring of Landon Donovan as the interim head coach of the San Diego Wave. The decision to appoint Donovan, a USMNT legend, has sparked discussions and concerns; particularly from USWNT defender and Portland Thorns captain Becky Sauerbrunn.

Landon Donovan’s transition into coaching in the NWSL comes as a surprise to many; given his lack of experience in the women’s game. The ex-striker has a long history of playing men’s soccer, including successful stints with the LA Galaxy and the USA. Despite that, he readily admits that coaching in the NWSL comes with a “steep” learning curve.

Speaking to ESPN, Donovan admitted, “I have a baseline, I know a lot of the players here [in San Diego] from watching them throughout the last few seasons, but the rest of the league…I’m going to have to lean on people, and I’m getting up to speed fast. I’ve watched a ton of film in the last two weeks trying to understand the league better.”

This honest admission has done little to ease concerns, particularly from those within the women’s soccer community; especially the ones who feel that coaching in the NWSL requires a deep understanding of the league’s unique dynamics.

Becky Sauerbrunn reveals concerns about Landon Donovan with Wave

Becky Sauerbrunn, a stalwart of the USWNT and one of the most respected voices in the sport, has openly questioned the decision to hire Donovan. Speaking on the alongside former USWNT star Sam Mewis, Sauerbrunn highlighted the challenges Donovan might face due to his lack of experience in the women’s game.

“I don’t know a lot about Landon, but I don’t think he has that experience of living the women’s game, of the ups and downs that we’ve gone through, both as a sport, as a league in the NWSL, as players,” Sauerbrunn remarked. Her…


Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-star-raises-concerns-about-wave-hiring-donovan/

Author : Martina Alcheva

Publish date : 2024-08-22 18:25:57

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