MLS commissioner Don Garber addressed comments by U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann denigrating MLS on Wednesday in a scathing teleconference call with reporters across the league.
During his extensive teleconference in which Garber addressed Klinsmann's remarks about the declining form of U.S. internationals Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley since joining MLS, the MLS commissioner took a moment to discuss Landon Donovan's omission from the U.S. squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“I believe Landon should have been in Brazil,” said Garber, adding that his treatment for cancer prevented him from speaking out prior to the teleconference. “His performance dictated it. … His treatment was inexcusable. I have concerns that his criticism, particularly of Michael, is following that pattern.”
Garber continued noting that Klinsmann's comments were "incredibly damaging" to a league that has shown incredible growth in it's 19 years.
“I’m demanding that he refrain from making comments that are critical of our players and damaging to our league,” Garber said. “Jurgen’s comments are very, very detrimental to the league, they’re detrimental to the sport of soccer in America. Not only are they detrimental, they’re wrong.”
“Sending a message to any player and obviously to U.S. players that signing to Major League Soccer is not going to be good to their career or good to their form is detrimental to Major League Soccer.”
