UNDER PRESSURE

There is a lot of pressure on United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann after the recent run of poor results. This is partly due to the absence of the star striker Landon Donovan, who has taken a self-imposed sabbatical from the game.

This along with the poor form of striker Jozy Altidore means that the team has managed just one win in the last five matches. As a result, they sit perilously close to dropping out of the play-off position in the group table. Only the top three teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil automatically, while the fourth placed team will have a play-off.

United States sit level on points with Honduras in the fourth position while many expected them to challenge for the top spot. Altidore has not managed a single goal for the nation from open play in the last two years. His last goal from open play came in 2011, but Klinsmann has said that he has no concerns about the poor form of the striker. After the failure of Adu, Altidore is regarded as one of the important strikers for the national team. The 31 years of age, not many expect Landon Donovan to continue at the national team for long.

Klinsmann has said that he is still a young player, who has a lot to learn in football.

“When there’s a moment where he’s not getting the message then maybe you leave him out for a game or two like we did – and he got the message. He came back and he was really on top of it. He’s totally [improved], he’s on a tremendous growing path and his upside is big. He’s still only 23 years old. You’re talking about a young player that already has 50 caps, so the expectations might be over the moon,” said Klinsmann.

There is a lot of pressure on United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann after the recent run of poor results. This is partly due to the absence of the star striker Landon Donovan, who has taken a self-imposed sabbatical from the game.

This along with the poor form of striker Jozy Altidore means that the team has managed just one win in the last five matches. As a result, they sit perilously close to dropping out of the play-off position in the group table. Only the top three teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil automatically, while the fourth placed team will have a play-off.

United States sit level on points with Honduras in the fourth position while many expected them to challenge for the top spot. Altidore has not managed a single goal for the nation from open play in the last two years. His last goal from open play came in 2011, but Klinsmann has said that he has no concerns about the poor form of the striker. After the failure of Adu, Altidore is regarded as one of the important strikers for the national team. The 31 years of age, not many expect Landon Donovan to continue at the national team for long.

Klinsmann has said that he is still a young player, who has a lot to learn in football.

“When there’s a moment where he’s not getting the message then maybe you leave him out for a game or two like we did – and he got the message. He came back and he was really on top of it. He’s totally [improved], he’s on a tremendous growing path and his upside is big. He’s still only 23 years old. You’re talking about a young player that already has 50 caps, so the expectations might be over the moon,” said Klinsmann.

RODGERS GIVES UP FOOTBALL

The 25-year-old former US national team player, Robbie Rogers has revealed that he is gay. He has followed up this stunning announcement with the fact that he will be retiring from professional football.

Rodgers revealed in a blog post on his personal website that it has been extremely tough period for him to hide from the fact that he was gay. He has also revealed that he could not go any longer from hiding the truth from his loved ones, but he was not sure before how they would react. Hence, he had lived with this secret for this long.

Very few footballers have openly admitted that they are homosexual. It has been primarily due to the fear that they would not be allowed to continue playing professional football as they have done before. Rogers has revealed that he managed to live with this lie in all this years due to the presence of football as an escape route. Even though he did not say that he is retiring from the sport, the 25-year-old has said that he is departing the game for the moment. He has not revealed his future plans as of yet. Rogers represented the likes of Stevenage and Leeds United in English football, but he is best known for his spell with MLS club Columbus Crew.

“I always thought I could hide this secret. Football was my escape, my purpose, my identity. Football hid my secret, gave me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I realized I could only truly enjoy my life once I was honest. . . . My secret is gone, I am a free man, I can move on and live my life as my creator intended,” said the 25-year-old, who has struggled in his career since leaving Columbus Crew.

The 25-year-old former US national team player, Robbie Rogers has revealed that he is gay. He has followed up this stunning announcement with the fact that he will be retiring from professional football.

Rodgers revealed in a blog post on his personal website that it has been extremely tough period for him to hide from the fact that he was gay. He has also revealed that he could not go any longer from hiding the truth from his loved ones, but he was not sure before how they would react. Hence, he had lived with this secret for this long.

Very few footballers have openly admitted that they are homosexual. It has been primarily due to the fear that they would not be allowed to continue playing professional football as they have done before. Rogers has revealed that he managed to live with this lie in all this years due to the presence of football as an escape route. Even though he did not say that he is retiring from the sport, the 25-year-old has said that he is departing the game for the moment. He has not revealed his future plans as of yet. Rogers represented the likes of Stevenage and Leeds United in English football, but he is best known for his spell with MLS club Columbus Crew.

“I always thought I could hide this secret. Football was my escape, my purpose, my identity. Football hid my secret, gave me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I realized I could only truly enjoy my life once I was honest. . . . My secret is gone, I am a free man, I can move on and live my life as my creator intended,” said the 25-year-old, who has struggled in his career since leaving Columbus Crew.

JURGEN BACKS ANDREA

The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann is of the opinion that the Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni can become one of the big managers in world football if he continues in the same tradition.

Stramaccioni was a player for Inter Milan during his playing days and he was recently appointed as the manager of the Italian Serie A team during one of the worst years of the club history. However, he has been able to get the club back up its feet in a relatively short span of time, as they are once again challenging for the Italian Serie A title this time around.

The 36-year-old is one of the youngest managers in European football at top-level club, but this should not be a major hindrance in the coming years according to Klinsmann. He has said that he can certainly build up the necessary experience over the years, which will make him even better. After struggling for most of the last season, Inter Milan were in danger of relegation at a time when Stramaccioni was handed the job by the Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti. He then managed to get European football for the team, while they are just two points behind table leaders Juventus this season.

“Stramaccioni is not as famous as Giovanni Trapattoni, Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello or Carlo Ancelotti, but he is making a name for himself. He could win the Scudetto because a coach who wins 10 games in a row has to be good and has to have a team that follows him. Experience counts, but a debutant can have an innocence that can change games,” said Klinsmann. The United States manager feels that Stramaccioni has the capability to win the Italian Serie A title in the future. Many Inter players have already sung the praises of the manager this season.

The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann is of the opinion that the Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni can become one of the big managers in world football if he continues in the same tradition.

Stramaccioni was a player for Inter Milan during his playing days and he was recently appointed as the manager of the Italian Serie A team during one of the worst years of the club history. However, he has been able to get the club back up its feet in a relatively short span of time, as they are once again challenging for the Italian Serie A title this time around.

The 36-year-old is one of the youngest managers in European football at top-level club, but this should not be a major hindrance in the coming years according to Klinsmann. He has said that he can certainly build up the necessary experience over the years, which will make him even better. After struggling for most of the last season, Inter Milan were in danger of relegation at a time when Stramaccioni was handed the job by the Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti. He then managed to get European football for the team, while they are just two points behind table leaders Juventus this season.

“Stramaccioni is not as famous as Giovanni Trapattoni, Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello or Carlo Ancelotti, but he is making a name for himself. He could win the Scudetto because a coach who wins 10 games in a row has to be good and has to have a team that follows him. Experience counts, but a debutant can have an innocence that can change games,” said Klinsmann. The United States manager feels that Stramaccioni has the capability to win the Italian Serie A title in the future. Many Inter players have already sung the praises of the manager this season.

KIDS ARE PRIORITY

Changing the face of the United States national team is one of the main priorities at the moment according to the manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

The German has said that he will be using a number of young players over the course of the next few friendly matches in order to make the team more attractive to watch. It will take a lot of time, but it is something that he believes will make the United States of the best teams in the world. This integration of many talented youngsters will first start with the friendly match against Russia.

He has said that the technical and attractive style of football is on his mind, and he believes that the next generation can cope with this change. He has also pointed to the significant steps taken by the team in the recent matches, as they have been able to secure 1-0 victories over both Mexico and Italy. Klinsmann has also said that he will be looking to identify players from around the world with dual citizenship capable of playing for the United States. Russia are currently ranked ninth in the FIFA world rankings and are one of the formidable opposition according to Klinsmann.

“One step at a time we are trying to play a more attacking, more technical game so that we hopefully in the future are able to play with the best teams in the world. We have already made some steps forward. Little by little, we’re trying to get to another level. … We discover talent all over the world with duel citizenship. It’s a new picture that the U.S. is facing compared to 10 or 15 years ago, and that’s very exciting for us,” said Klinsmann. After suffering the loss in the opening qualifying match against Jamaica, the US have recorded three straight victories.

Changing the face of the United States national team is one of the main priorities at the moment according to the manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

The German has said that he will be using a number of young players over the course of the next few friendly matches in order to make the team more attractive to watch. It will take a lot of time, but it is something that he believes will make the United States of the best teams in the world. This integration of many talented youngsters will first start with the friendly match against Russia.

He has said that the technical and attractive style of football is on his mind, and he believes that the next generation can cope with this change. He has also pointed to the significant steps taken by the team in the recent matches, as they have been able to secure 1-0 victories over both Mexico and Italy. Klinsmann has also said that he will be looking to identify players from around the world with dual citizenship capable of playing for the United States. Russia are currently ranked ninth in the FIFA world rankings and are one of the formidable opposition according to Klinsmann.

“One step at a time we are trying to play a more attacking, more technical game so that we hopefully in the future are able to play with the best teams in the world. We have already made some steps forward. Little by little, we’re trying to get to another level. … We discover talent all over the world with duel citizenship. It’s a new picture that the U.S. is facing compared to 10 or 15 years ago, and that’s very exciting for us,” said Klinsmann. After suffering the loss in the opening qualifying match against Jamaica, the US have recorded three straight victories.

AVB SAYS ENGLAND WILL SUFFER

The Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that the England national team will certainly suffer during the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign without the presence of John Terry. The Chelsea captain recently announced his retirement from international football after 78 appearances.

He has said that the English FA have made his position untenable after charging him with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, despite the fact that he had been found not guilty by the court only a few weeks earlier. The 31-year-old Chelsea defender is expected to be banned for up to 4 matches, while he will be facing a hefty fine as well.

His contribution to the England national team has been enormous over the years, but this is not the first time he has been at loggerheads with the English FA. John Terry has always stated that he will not be the kind of person to show his back to the England national team, but he has revealed that he has been treated very badly by the English FA for too long. The former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that the England national team will certainly miss a player like John Terry both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a massive, massive loss for England. John is a player with unbelievable talent and has helped this country so much, and the same for Chelsea, too. In the end, they are his decisions, personal decisions. It’s difficult for a player to take a position like this, but, on the perspective of England and qualification, it leaves Roy Hodgson in a difficult position, bearing in mind the centre-backs he has at his disposal. I’m not putting into question the quality of the other players, but he certainly misses one player of great, great talent,” said the Tottenham manager in a recent interview.

The Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that the England national team will certainly suffer during the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign without the presence of John Terry. The Chelsea captain recently announced his retirement from international football after 78 appearances.

He has said that the English FA have made his position untenable after charging him with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, despite the fact that he had been found not guilty by the court only a few weeks earlier. The 31-year-old Chelsea defender is expected to be banned for up to 4 matches, while he will be facing a hefty fine as well.

His contribution to the England national team has been enormous over the years, but this is not the first time he has been at loggerheads with the English FA. John Terry has always stated that he will not be the kind of person to show his back to the England national team, but he has revealed that he has been treated very badly by the English FA for too long. The former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that the England national team will certainly miss a player like John Terry both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a massive, massive loss for England. John is a player with unbelievable talent and has helped this country so much, and the same for Chelsea, too. In the end, they are his decisions, personal decisions. It’s difficult for a player to take a position like this, but, on the perspective of England and qualification, it leaves Roy Hodgson in a difficult position, bearing in mind the centre-backs he has at his disposal. I’m not putting into question the quality of the other players, but he certainly misses one player of great, great talent,” said the Tottenham manager in a recent interview.

LOVING LIFE IN MEXICO

The American International DaMarcus Beasley has said that he is loving his life in Mexico that he could stay in the south for a long time to come. The American International recently switched to Mexican club Puebla on a free transfer after having spent most of its time in Europe.

He has not been playing regularly in recent seasons, which is one of the main reasons for DaMarcus Beasley to decide that he had to try a new destination in order to revive his career. He has said that he is extremely surprised with the way Mexican football has taken to him, and he has also urged his fellow Americans to try out playing in the Mexican country.

DaMarcus Beasley is well known for his time with the Scottish club Rangers. He spent three seasons with Rangers before moving to the German club Hannover where he spent one season. During this period, DaMarcus Beasley was not a regular first-team player, but his one-year with the Mexican club has brought out the best in the international. He has scored seven goals and is a regular player for the Mexican club. Due to the enjoyment he gets from playing regularly, DaMarcus Beasley has said that he could stay for a long time in Mexico.

“At first I didn’t know too much about playing in Mexico, only about playing in Mexico against Mexico. But the decision, it was an easy one. I went to Pachuca and trained there for a week, so I got a feel of the style of play and the country a little bit. Then Puebla called and I decided to go there. I enjoy it. I like living here. I think my career has started to get back on track for myself,” said the American International in a recent interview.

The American International DaMarcus Beasley has said that he is loving his life in Mexico that he could stay in the south for a long time to come. The American International recently switched to Mexican club Puebla on a free transfer after having spent most of its time in Europe.

He has not been playing regularly in recent seasons, which is one of the main reasons for DaMarcus Beasley to decide that he had to try a new destination in order to revive his career. He has said that he is extremely surprised with the way Mexican football has taken to him, and he has also urged his fellow Americans to try out playing in the Mexican country.

DaMarcus Beasley is well known for his time with the Scottish club Rangers. He spent three seasons with Rangers before moving to the German club Hannover where he spent one season. During this period, DaMarcus Beasley was not a regular first-team player, but his one-year with the Mexican club has brought out the best in the international. He has scored seven goals and is a regular player for the Mexican club. Due to the enjoyment he gets from playing regularly, DaMarcus Beasley has said that he could stay for a long time in Mexico.

“At first I didn’t know too much about playing in Mexico, only about playing in Mexico against Mexico. But the decision, it was an easy one. I went to Pachuca and trained there for a week, so I got a feel of the style of play and the country a little bit. Then Puebla called and I decided to go there. I enjoy it. I like living here. I think my career has started to get back on track for myself,” said the American International in a recent interview.

HAPPY WITH WIN

The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann has said that he is extremely happy after finally overseeing a win over archrivals Mexico. The United States has experienced a lot of frustration when it comes to the matches between the archrivals Mexico.

They have been unable to beat their neighbours in the last 75 years. Mexico were coming into the latest friendly match between the two teams on the back of the confidence inspiring gold medal at the London Olympics 2012. However, the United States managed a surprising 1-0 win that finally brought an end to the 75 year wait for the victory.

Jurgen Klinsmann said after the match that it was indeed a historic moment for the national team. Even though he has said that the team should improve in a number of positions, he is confident that the players can build on the success achieved against Mexico. A number of the players for the national team will be focused on the club matches, which will begin this weekend. As a result, Klinsmann was extremely happy that his players were able to concentrate on this match, despite this distraction. Michael Orozco Fiscal scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute.

“I think it’s huge. It’s huge for I think all American fans, it’s huge for the team, and it’s historic. We were very well aware that we’ve never won here at the Azteca Stadium. This is an amazing experience for the all the players. We told them before the game: This moment is for you, go and grab it. We are all aware that it was a lot, a lot of work,” said the manager after the match. The United States has lost 23 matches and drawn only one in the last 75 years against Mexico.

The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann has said that he is extremely happy after finally overseeing a win over archrivals Mexico. The United States has experienced a lot of frustration when it comes to the matches between the archrivals Mexico.

They have been unable to beat their neighbours in the last 75 years. Mexico were coming into the latest friendly match between the two teams on the back of the confidence inspiring gold medal at the London Olympics 2012. However, the United States managed a surprising 1-0 win that finally brought an end to the 75 year wait for the victory.

Jurgen Klinsmann said after the match that it was indeed a historic moment for the national team. Even though he has said that the team should improve in a number of positions, he is confident that the players can build on the success achieved against Mexico. A number of the players for the national team will be focused on the club matches, which will begin this weekend. As a result, Klinsmann was extremely happy that his players were able to concentrate on this match, despite this distraction. Michael Orozco Fiscal scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute.

“I think it’s huge. It’s huge for I think all American fans, it’s huge for the team, and it’s historic. We were very well aware that we’ve never won here at the Azteca Stadium. This is an amazing experience for the all the players. We told them before the game: This moment is for you, go and grab it. We are all aware that it was a lot, a lot of work,” said the manager after the match. The United States has lost 23 matches and drawn only one in the last 75 years against Mexico.

USA, Klinsmann

The United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann has said that the team should improve and play much better if there to have success against Guatemala.

The United States will be taking on Guatemala in the second World Cup qualifying match. Even though they won the first match in the World Cup qualifiers quite convincingly, Jurgen Klinsmann has said that it would amount to nothing if they failed to beat Guatemala in their home patch.

The 3-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda on Friday meant that Klinsmann had a successful start to the World Cup qualifying campaign, where they might get to test themselves against the likes of Fernando Torres and David Beckham. He will be hoping for more of the same when they take on Guatemala, but has warned them that it will not be easy.

Jurgen Klinsmann has said that the United States team should be adopting a different style when it comes to getting all three points against Guatemala. He has put the emphasis on an attacking style of football against the team that is expected to defend a lot. He has said that it is extremely crucial that midfielders in the match do not go looking for the ball deep inside their own half. They should, in turn, be looking to pick out the strikers at the other end of the pitch.

“Three points is the starting point we wanted to have. We know we have to step it up a lot going into Guatemala, which we will do. We have got to give Guatemala a real fight. We just have to circle the ball around faster. We have to find midfielders playing in more forward positions and not having midfielders coming back and picking up behind. There needs to be a lot more movement off the ball, which is easier when you have space,” said Klinsmann ahead of the match.

The United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann has said that the team should improve and play much better if there to have success against Guatemala.

The United States will be taking on Guatemala in the second World Cup qualifying match. Even though they won the first match in the World Cup qualifiers quite convincingly, Jurgen Klinsmann has said that it would amount to nothing if they failed to beat Guatemala in their home patch.

The 3-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda on Friday meant that Klinsmann had a successful start to the World Cup qualifying campaign, where they might get to test themselves against the likes of Fernando Torres and David Beckham. He will be hoping for more of the same when they take on Guatemala, but has warned them that it will not be easy.

Jurgen Klinsmann has said that the United States team should be adopting a different style when it comes to getting all three points against Guatemala. He has put the emphasis on an attacking style of football against the team that is expected to defend a lot. He has said that it is extremely crucial that midfielders in the match do not go looking for the ball deep inside their own half. They should, in turn, be looking to pick out the strikers at the other end of the pitch.

“Three points is the starting point we wanted to have. We know we have to step it up a lot going into Guatemala, which we will do. We have got to give Guatemala a real fight. We just have to circle the ball around faster. We have to find midfielders playing in more forward positions and not having midfielders coming back and picking up behind. There needs to be a lot more movement off the ball, which is easier when you have space,” said Klinsmann ahead of the match.

DONOVAN MAKES THE LIST

LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan is among the list of players who are initially included in the 16 man squad. The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann will be naming his 16 man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in the next few days.

He has recently named part of the players who will be involved in the World Cup qualifiers. Unsurprisingly, Landon Donovan has been an inclusion in the 11 man squad announced recently. The World Cup qualifiers for the United States national football team will be beginning on June 8. Landon Donovan is regarded as the greatest player for the United States national team and has 35 appearances in the World Cup qualifying stages alone.

Jurgen Klinsmann has revealed that the team will be having their training at Orlando up until May 25. They will be then facing five matches, which will also include facing Scotland at Jacksonville. Speaking after the announcement of the initial squad, you can Frenchman has said that he is extremely excited at the prospect of having a number of MLS players in his squad. Herculez Gomez, Clarence Goodson, and Jozy Altidore are some of the high profile players included in the squad for these matches.

“We are excited now to get towards full numbers with the MLS guys and also the players from Europe who are coming in with great form. We want them to pick up the rhythm as fast as possible and make them understand that we are taking the next couple weeks very seriously. We have watched Brek during the last few months, and given his performances and some of the other issues we felt he should be on the standby list. He’s still a young player with a lot of talent, and also a lot to learn,” Klinsmann said.

LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan is among the list of players who are initially included in the 16 man squad. The United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann will be naming his 16 man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in the next few days.

He has recently named part of the players who will be involved in the World Cup qualifiers. Unsurprisingly, Landon Donovan has been an inclusion in the 11 man squad announced recently. The World Cup qualifiers for the United States national football team will be beginning on June 8. Landon Donovan is regarded as the greatest player for the United States national team and has 35 appearances in the World Cup qualifying stages alone.

Jurgen Klinsmann has revealed that the team will be having their training at Orlando up until May 25. They will be then facing five matches, which will also include facing Scotland at Jacksonville. Speaking after the announcement of the initial squad, you can Frenchman has said that he is extremely excited at the prospect of having a number of MLS players in his squad. Herculez Gomez, Clarence Goodson, and Jozy Altidore are some of the high profile players included in the squad for these matches.

“We are excited now to get towards full numbers with the MLS guys and also the players from Europe who are coming in with great form. We want them to pick up the rhythm as fast as possible and make them understand that we are taking the next couple weeks very seriously. We have watched Brek during the last few months, and given his performances and some of the other issues we felt he should be on the standby list. He’s still a young player with a lot of talent, and also a lot to learn,” Klinsmann said.

DONOVAN EXCITED

LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan has said that he is extremely optimistic about the prospects for this season.

LA Galaxy have managed to retain star midfielder David Beckham amidst many rumours linking him with a move to Europe.

David Beckham has signed a two-year deal with the MLS side. This comes as a major boost for the club, which has managed to lift the MLS title last season. They will be hoping to build on the same success this season as well, and Donovan is extremely optimistic about the same. In addition to David Beckham, LA Galaxy have also brought in former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to the fold.

Speaking ahead of their first match against Real Salt Lake, Donovan said that he is very much looking forward to the prospect of winning the title once again. LA Galaxy are just one title behind the all-time record held by Seattle Sounders.

Donovan has admitted that he expected David Beckham to leave the club after the end of the season. Beckham was linked with the likes of Tottenham and French club PSG, but decided to sign a new contract with LA Galaxy. Donovan expects the presence of Beckham to once again inspire them to the title.

“We are all very excited and maybe a little surprised that David (Beckham) stayed. We are very excited that he wanted to stay here and be a part of this team and I think there is no question what he has meant to our team and his contribution, particularly last year, was vital and very important for us winning the championship,” Donovan said.

Striker Robbie Keane scored three goals for Aston Villa, which proved to be a massive contribution, during his time on loan at the Midlands club. Donovan also spent a few months on loan at Everton.

LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan has said that he is extremely optimistic about the prospects for this season.

LA Galaxy have managed to retain star midfielder David Beckham amidst many rumours linking him with a move to Europe.

David Beckham has signed a two-year deal with the MLS side. This comes as a major boost for the club, which has managed to lift the MLS title last season. They will be hoping to build on the same success this season as well, and Donovan is extremely optimistic about the same. In addition to David Beckham, LA Galaxy have also brought in former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to the fold.

Speaking ahead of their first match against Real Salt Lake, Donovan said that he is very much looking forward to the prospect of winning the title once again. LA Galaxy are just one title behind the all-time record held by Seattle Sounders.

Donovan has admitted that he expected David Beckham to leave the club after the end of the season. Beckham was linked with the likes of Tottenham and French club PSG, but decided to sign a new contract with LA Galaxy. Donovan expects the presence of Beckham to once again inspire them to the title.

“We are all very excited and maybe a little surprised that David (Beckham) stayed. We are very excited that he wanted to stay here and be a part of this team and I think there is no question what he has meant to our team and his contribution, particularly last year, was vital and very important for us winning the championship,” Donovan said.

Striker Robbie Keane scored three goals for Aston Villa, which proved to be a massive contribution, during his time on loan at the Midlands club. Donovan also spent a few months on loan at Everton.