Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard: Episode Summary

Episode: CONCACAF Nations League Loss: USMNT Reactions & Concerns
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Hosts: Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
Description: In this emotionally charged episode, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard delve deep into the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team's disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League. They explore issues surrounding player commitment, managerial decisions, and the team's readiness heading into the Gold Cup, with concerns mounting as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

1. Introduction: A Day of Mourning

The episode opens with a somber tone as both hosts express their disappointment over the USMNT's recent performances. Tim Howard sets the stage by acknowledging the lack of competitive zeal observed in the team’s performances, particularly after the Gold Cup concludes with no competitive matches leading up to the World Cup.

Tim Howard (00:02): "They have to win the Gold Cup. After the Gold Cup's over, there's no more competitive games prior to the World Cup. Does anybody understand that?"

2. Reflecting on Player Commitment and National Pride

Landon Donovan articulates his frustration with the perceived lack of effort from some players, despite their evident talent and high-profile club affiliations. He emphasizes the responsibility that comes with wearing the national jersey, drawing parallels to profound experiences like visiting the DMZ in South Korea.

Landon Donovan (01:14): "There were players on the field who cared. But caring about playing a sport that you get paid to do should be the absolute bare minimum."

Donovan underscores that playing for the national team should transcend personal gain, calling for intrinsic motivation among players.

3. Managerial Decisions and Team Accountability

The conversation shifts to managerial decisions, critiquing Mauricio Pochettino’s handling of the team. Both hosts express skepticism about the coach's commitment and strategic choices, especially after the team’s poor results, including losses to Panama and Mexico.

Tim Howard (05:00): "This is a CONCACAF event. So CONCACAF controls it. But the planning for both the semifinal and the third and final and third place game were horrific."

They argue that Pochettino hasn't effectively responded to the team's shortcomings, questioning his strategy and ability to instill a winning mentality.

4. The Goalkeeper Controversy: Turner vs. Steffen

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the contentious decision to start Matt Turner over Zach Steffen. Donovan defends Steffen’s performance while criticizing Turner’s form and lack of recent playtime.

Landon Donovan (38:15): "If I turn just inside the 18 at that angle and hit that shot and it went in the Goal, I would feel like I just robbed a bank."

They highlight the inconsiderate nature of coaching decisions that seemingly disregard player readiness and performance, leading to critical game moments being mishandled.

5. Lack of Competitive Nature and Leadership

Both hosts lament the absence of a competitive spirit within the team. They compare the USMNT's approach unfavorably to renowned teams like Argentina, where players exhibit a fighting spirit and willingness to endure for their country.

Tim Howard (04:22): "There's a competitive element that's missing with this team."

They stress the need for leaders within the squad who can motivate and hold teammates accountable, noting a deficiency in leadership comparable to their era.

6. Structural Issues: Coaching Staff and Player Development

Donovan proposes the inclusion of American staff members within the coaching team to bridge the gap between players and management. He suggests that having former USMNT players as part of the staff could enhance accountability and understanding of the players' mindset.

Landon Donovan (58:23): "Having Clint Dempsey walk in and be a part of your staff and talk to you after performance like that is I think infinitely probably as valuable or maybe more valuable than hearing from your head coach."

7. Expectations and Urgency for the Gold Cup

With the Gold Cup approaching, Donovan and Howard express a sense of urgency. They deem the Gold Cup as a crucial tournament that the team must win to salvage their competitive edge before the World Cup.

Tim Howard (10:31): "We have to win the Gold Cup. If we're going to get beat, you're going to earn it."

The hosts are wary that the entire window of competitive play leading up to the World Cup might pass without substantial improvement, raising concerns about team cohesion and performance.

8. Proposed Solutions: Enhancing Team Dynamics and Accountability

Donovan discusses the need for a cultural shift within the team, advocating for honest feedback and tough love to foster resilience and commitment. He recounts personal experiences where candid criticism from teammates led to improved performance.

Landon Donovan (15:32): "Leaders can't be liked. If you want to be a leader and be liked, you're in the wrong profession."

Both hosts emphasize that genuine accountability, rather than superficial praise, is essential for the team's growth and success.

9. Player Motivation and External Influences

The discussion touches on how young players today are potentially less motivated by traditional incentives, suggesting that intrinsic factors must drive them. Donovan criticizes the current youth soccer system for not instilling the necessary resilience and work ethic.

Landon Donovan (44:18): "How do you find that, where you find that, but you better find it because it means more to Panama, it meant more to Canada, it means more to Mexico."

They argue that the environment surrounding player development, including the influence of agents and supportive circles, often fails to enforce the discipline required for national team success.

10. The Role of the Manager: Pochettino's Approach Under Scrutiny

Howard raises concerns about whether Pochettino truly embodies the ruthless managerial style needed to transform the team, questioning if his laid-back demeanor masks deeper strategic issues.

Tim Howard (47:17): "I've been covering him as a manager, and it's just kind of like, okay, when is that going to come out? Because this feels a little bit too laid back for what you're saying."

Donovan observes that Pochettino’s tactical decisions, such as unorthodox substitutions, may indicate a lack of urgency to instill competitiveness and determination within the squad.

11. Future Outlook: Hopes for Gold Cup and World Cup Preparations

Looking ahead, Donovan remains cautiously optimistic that the coaching staff will learn from recent failures and set a more determined tone in future camps. Both hosts agree that strong performances in the Gold Cup are pivotal for restoring faith and momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Landon Donovan (71:00): "I hope that we get into camp and the coaching staff has learned a lot from it and the tone is set very quickly. And more than that, I hope the players now leading into the camp...we owe our country more than that."

Conclusion: A Call for Change and Accountability

The episode concludes with an urgent call for introspection within the USMNT. Donovan and Howard urge both players and management to embrace accountability, foster a competitive spirit, and prioritize national pride over personal or club interests. They emphasize that without significant changes, the team risks failing to achieve its potential on the global stage.

Tim Howard (73:09): "It's an amazing thing that we are talking about effort and that not just us, because apparently fans of the show and the fans of the US Men's national team are also talking about. So. So people are seeing it and that's a crime. It really is."

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Tim Howard (00:02): "They have to win the Gold Cup. After the Gold Cup's over, there's no more competitive games prior to the World Cup. Does anybody understand that?"
• Landon Donovan (01:14): "There were players on the field who cared. But caring about playing a sport that you get paid to do should be the absolute bare minimum."
• Tim Howard (05:00): "This is a CONCACAF event. So CONCACAF controls it. But the planning for both the semifinal and the third and final and third place game were horrific."
• Landon Donovan (38:15): "If I turn just inside the 18 at that angle and hit that shot and it went in the Goal, I would feel like I just robbed a bank."
• Tim Howard (04:22): "There's a competitive element that's missing with this team."
• Landon Donovan (58:23): "Having Clint Dempsey walk in and be a part of your staff and talk to you after performance like that is I think infinitely probably as valuable or maybe more valuable than hearing from your head coach."
• Landon Donovan (15:32): "Leaders can't be liked. If you want to be a leader and be liked, you're in the wrong profession."
• Tim Howard (47:17): "I've been covering him as a manager, and it's just kind of like, okay, when is that going to come out? Because this feels a little bit too laid back for what you're saying."
• Landon Donovan (71:00): "I hope that we get into camp and the coaching staff has learned a lot from it and the tone is set very quickly. And more than that, I hope the players now leading into the camp...we owe our country more than that."
• Tim Howard (73:09): "It's an amazing thing that we are talking about effort and that not just us, because apparently fans of the show and the fans of the US Men's national team are also talking about. So. So people are seeing it and that's a crime. It really is."

Final Thoughts

Landon Donovan and Tim Howard deliver an unfiltered and passionate critique of the US Men's National Soccer Team’s recent performances. Their candid discussion highlights systemic issues within the team’s structure, player motivation, and managerial strategies. As the Gold Cup approaches, the urgency for transformative change within the USMNT becomes palpable, with hopes high for renewed determination and accountability to elevate the team’s standing on the international stage.