Taking on the role of interim coach for San Diego Wave, Landon Donovan is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges that there is a “steep” learning curve when it comes to training NWSL players, especially considering this is his first time coaching a professional women’s team. Despite having a baseline knowledge of some of the players in San Diego, Donovan admits that understanding the rest of the league requires him to lean on others and get up to speed quickly.
The task at hand for Donovan is to revive the NWSL Shield holders who are currently outside of a playoff position. With a record of 3 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses past the halfway point of the regular season, there is a lot of work to be done. Donovan anticipates that there will be plenty of bumps along the road, but he remains optimistic about the progress that his coaching will bring to the team. He emphasizes the importance of being brave and doing things his way to drive the team forward.
During a press conference, Donovan made it clear that he does not see his current coaching job as a stepping stone to something else. He turned down multiple MLS job offers in the past and expressed his love for San Diego and working with good people. Donovan values the relationships he has built with the players and staff at San Diego Wave and is fully committed to the current project. He emphasized that his motivation has always been driven by passion, not by the pursuit of the next opportunity.
While Donovan has committed to the Wave through the end of the current season, there is a possibility that he could stay on in a permanent role. Both Donovan and club president Jill Ellis have expressed openness to discussing the future beyond the interim position. If things go well, there is a chance that Donovan could continue his coaching journey with the Wave. However, if it doesn’t work out, both parties are willing to part ways amicably.
Donovan’s coaching experience at the professional level was previously with the now-defunct San Diego Loyal in the USL Championship from 2020-22. Despite limited coaching experience, Donovan’s illustrious career as a player, both domestically and internationally, speaks to his understanding of the game. As the only American to register 50-plus goals and assists for the United States at the international level, Donovan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coaching role.
Landon Donovan’s journey as the interim coach of San Diego Wave presents both challenges and opportunities. While he navigates the learning curve of coaching NWSL players, Donovan remains focused on reviving the team and making tangible progress. His commitment to the current project and the relationships he has formed with the players and staff set the foundation for a potentially successful coaching tenure. As Donovan embarks on this new chapter in his career, the future holds promise for both himself and the San Diego Wave.
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