Bon Voyage, Landon Donovan and don’t come back.
Sounds harsh right?Well, it’s not.It’s not that Donovan isn’t likeable and Americans should want him out of the country.It’s just that the notion of Donovan playing professionally in Germany with Bayern Munich only means great things for the United States national team, especially with the 2010 World Cup looming.In a small, quiet statement the Galaxy posted on its website this week that Donovan was going on a 10-day training spell.Well, tryout would be a better word for it.Soccer teams downplay these off-season workouts but despite the Galaxy’s claims; common sense and experience say Donovan is on trial.It doesn’t hurt that former Galaxy advisor and L.A. denizen Jurgen Klinsmann, the German legend, presides over Munich these days.There are already photos circulating the internet of Donovan sporting and training in Munich gear.It’s quite simple really.How would Donovan improve the most?Let’s see playing in Major League Soccer with Alan Gordon as his strike partner or playing in Champions League games alongside Luca Toni?It’s really a no brainer.Granted, Donovan, 26, began his pro career in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen at 17 then flamed out when he tried to return after a loan run with San Jose in MLS.However, he’s mentioned his desire to test himself again in Europe.He needs testing.Donovan could sleep through every meeting and loaf through practice and he’d still start without question each week for the Galaxy.In Munich, well, he’s just another player and he’ll have to develop a hard edge and endure far more intense training sessions.This is why Donovan must leave the California coast and not come back for five more years except when with the U.S. national team.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
