photo by Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports
By FRANCO PANIZO
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Landon Donovan had his first coaching experience on Tuesday, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that he is considering doing it again.
Donovan led the MLS Homegrowns in their match vs. Club America’s U-20s on Tuesday night as part of MLS All-Star Week. His team lost on penalty kicks after surrendering its first-half lead, but not even the defeat could take away from how much fun Donovan had.
In fact, he had such a great time on the sidelines that you should not rule out seeing him there again in the near future.
“This was a week to sort of dip my toe in and see how it felt. I really had a great time,” said the 33-year-old Donovan. “I don’t know what the future holds. It depends, obviously, on a lot of things, but I really enjoyed it. If I get another opportunity, then maybe I’ll consider it, yeah.”
Donovan, wearing a polo shirt and some athletic pants after suggestions from his wife, admitted to have a little anxiety on the bench. A former player who was very determined to focus on the things he could control during his historic career, Donovan found it tough not being able to go out on the field to make an impact. He sat on the bench for much of the first half, but got up and became more animated as the match wore one.
It was a different experience for him, but still an enjoyable one.
“You get caught up in it but the reason is you only spend two days with these guys but you have a connection with them because I see myself there,” said Donovan. “I was there 15 years ago so I know what they’re going through, I know each kid is going through different things based on different thing, so your really want them to do well, you’re really pulling for them to do well.
“I said to (the assistant coaches) the other day after training that it would be really fun to have this group of guys for a full year to watch them develop and see them grow as people and soccer players. That’d be really enjoyable. Didn’t get enough of that this week, but in the end you really want them to do well.”
It may be early, but Donovan’s coaching techniques appears to resonate with his players. He was with the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team during its World Cup campaign, and privately received glowing reviews from the young Americans players there. They enjoyed his personality and tutelage on the field, and off of it as well.
Tuesday night was no different. In fact, some players were left gushing over their appreciation for Donovan.
“Landon’s the man,” said Erik Palmer-Brown. “He’s been a role model to me, just watching him play with the national team and the LA Galaxy. He’s the man. We played stick-man golf at World Cup. The words I use to describe him is just awesome, he’s an amazing guy, a really great guy, he likes to have fun.
“Whenever he speak everyone gets quiet. We want to hear what he has to stay. He’s such a leader, he’s such a great guy, on and off the field. We got the chance to play with him down at U-20 World Cup, he got in as a neutral, he killed it and he still had it.
“He scored two goals on us unfortunately, but it was unreal just to see him step back on the field and play the way he did. Off the field, his advice that he gives to you is just spot on. He sees everything and you can tell that he’s just a soccer fan.”
Donovan, who admitted before his retirement that he’d like to work with younger players, knows that he has a lot to do if he wants to pursue this career. He’s never taken a coaching course in his life, and knowingly has a lot to learn.
Still, it is something he is considering doing, especially after a fun few days with some of the next generation of MLS talent.
“I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the process. I enjoyed the week,” said Donovan. “They’re really, really good young men. For all of us, I think we enjoyed the experience. It’s certainly different. It gives you a little anxiety because you can’t be out there and now I understand why coaches struggle with that stuff because it’s difficult. But I thought the guys were great, their attitude was great, it was a fun night. I think everyone enjoyed it.”