Thumbs up on Clint Dempsey, but Timmy Chandler situation concerning for U.S. national team
May 15, 2012, 4:07 PM EDT
Jurgen Klinsmann had a few things to say on U.S. Soccer this morning. Some of it good – and some of it quite concerning.
The good is on Clint Dempsey’s groin injury.
“Clint has a minor groin injury which should be fine within the next couple of days. We’re going to take it a bit easy in the beginning, and from there we don’t expect any problems,” Klinsmann said.
The not so good is about promising defender Timmy Chandler, who isn’t coming into camp.
(Update: More PST perspective on the Chandler affair is here.)
I think it’s time for all U.S. Socccer fans to say this about the promising outside back. And say it out loud so it sinks in. “He’s just not that into us.”
I have had long conversations with Timmy about where he is in his professional career and his commitment to playing international football. He has expressed his appreciation for all the opportunities we have given him, but he also feels at this point he needs to take a break. It’s disappointing not having him as a part of the team at this important juncture of building our team, but ultimately a player must decide what is best for him. The door is certainly not closed on Timmy, but in the moment we move on without him.”
I spoke to U.S. Soccer spokesman Michael Kammarman, who referred all questions to Klinsmann.
In the past, Chandler’s words and actions have always indicated he was “all in” for the U.S. cause, never mind the dual citizenship and the fact that he grew up in Germany.
But recall that last summer he kept his distance from the U.S. camp. And more importantly, recall that he has yet to play in an official FIFA tournament. That means he’s still eligible to appear for Germany. And at 22 years old, it’s quite likely that he’s still holding out hope of appearing for his native country.
If he comes to this camp and appears in one of the upcoming qualifiers, he’s tied to the United States.
U.S. Soccer may or may not continue to believe that Chandler is in the personnel mix. But if I’m wagering, I’m saying his future in the U.S. shirt stands highly in doubt.
It’s hard to see this odd situation any other way (a player who prefers not to play internationally); it looks for all the world like he’s holding out for Germany.
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- btrocco - May 15, 2012 at 4:58 PM
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I feel duped and used! What the hell Timmy!!!?? Pick a side and make it known… don’t waste all of your teammates’ and coaches’ time!
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- stackhousesoccer - May 15, 2012 at 5:35 PM
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Seems like we were all warned last year when he backed out of Gold Cup team. Should have seen writimg on the wall then. Well his loss is Eric Lichaj gain I think.
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- mikeevergreen - May 15, 2012 at 9:39 PM
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Don’t forget Jonathan Spector, or Danny Williams, or the incumbent Cheruuuuuundolo!
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- bazimon - May 15, 2012 at 7:33 PM
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Too bad. Hard to think he would make the same impact on the German squad as he would on the US side.
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- seanb20124 - May 15, 2012 at 8:34 PM
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Next man in!
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- mikeevergreen - May 15, 2012 at 9:45 PM
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To tjose who might complain about Timmy – remember that at least he came in and played. If I recall correctly, Giuseppe Rossi never once answered a call despite growing up in Clifton, NJ. THAT’s a guy you can complain about.
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- Southern Philly - May 15, 2012 at 10:44 PM
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No you can’t. Rossi moved to Italy at age 14 played for Italy’s youth teams. He was never going to play for the US, and made it clear with his words and actions (turned down a chance on the 2006 team).
Chandler on the other hand has never played for Germany’s youth teams but of course has played for the US in friendlies, and last year after turning down the Gold Cup said “It is my goal and dream to represent the United States at the 2014 World Cup, what I said in March is true. I will absolutely not play for Germany. There is no way that will happen.”
Rossi was never going to play for the US and never screwed around with the USMNT. Can’t say the same for Chandler.
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- slxc - May 16, 2012 at 11:52 AM
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Call Chad Ochocinco may do something. wahawawa
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- footballer4ever - May 16, 2012 at 1:08 PM
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@ mikeevergreen Giuseppe who!? Not worth complaining about players who chose not to play for the U.S. Karma is making sure to teach him a lesson by not being professional or at least educated enough to answer calls.
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- mikeevergreen - May 16, 2012 at 10:31 PM
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You got that right about Karma, Rossi relegated, and Jozy Altidore, whom Villareal all but refused to put on the field….will be playing Europa league football this fall.
ROFL!
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- wustlgrad - May 17, 2012 at 9:26 AM
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Smart lad. Who’d you rather play for? Be honest!
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- smgraff4 - May 17, 2012 at 6:51 PM
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If I recall correctly Timmy Chandler did this last year around the time of the GC. Timmy also snubbed the US conveniently so Germany CANNOT put him on the Euro roster. To me, it has nothing to do with Timmy’s loyalties and more to do with fitness. He cannot seemingly get himself pumped up to play summer football, internationally or club (which is why Germany isn’t including him in their roster(s) either). And there is enough mutual respect between Klinsmann and the German FA that the Germans won’t try to snap up Chandler. I am sure Chandler will be in a few camps for WCQ games that are during the season–and just not in the summer.
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- footballer4ever - May 18, 2012 at 10:37 AM
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“I am sure Chandler will be in a few camps for WCQ games that are during the season–and just not in the summer.”
Ha! I doubt Klismann will do any “special” accomodations like that. Either you are able to play when needed, or simply hit the beach after you are done with your 9-5 pm job.
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