CARSON, Calif. –LA Galaxy’s Bruce Arena’s has voiced his concerns over the MLS schedule before and following Sunday’s SuperClasico, the LA boss took aim at the schedule’s incapability with the FIFA calendar.
During his postgame press conference for LA’s 1-0 victory over Chivas USA, the discussion turned from LA’s win to the possibility of Landon Donovan joining up with a U.S. B squad for the 2013 World Cup.
Let’s just say that the Galaxy boss was less than supportive of the schedule conflict.
“That's what this league is. This is the way the league operates. When you can't be in sync with an international calendar, that's the reality of things,” said Arena. “We've been well aware of [the Gold Cup] before the year started. It's crazy. It skews the competition in the league, but it is what it is. What are you going to do?”
Following Arena’s response, a reporter chimed in that Arena could attempt to hold Donovan out of the squad and the Galaxy head coach was quick to mention that “no decision’s been made yet” about the midfielder. But it will be difficult for Arena to hold Donovan out of the competition as it offers the veteran a chance to rejoin the U.S. for the first time since their 1-0 win over at Mexico last August.
However, after losing defender Omar Gonzalez for three matches due to friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, Arena is not a fan of the situation.
“I think the whole thing is foolish, to be honest with you, coming off the players disappearing for a month with the World Cup qualifying as well,” said Arena. “It's a major problem we have with scheduling in the league, and it damages the competition. We have to find other ways to fit the schedule in where teams are not impacted due to the FIFA calendar.”
