Landon Donovan on Jurgen Klinsmann criticism: I was being honest

Landon Donovan was given the chance to backtrack on his criticism of US Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, but instead he doubled down.

The LA Galaxy forward was interviewed following his team’s 2-2 tie with the Portland Timbers Friday and asked if he wanted to clarify his comments aka retract them or backtrack. Donovan opted to stand by his remarks.

“I think it’s time to move on,” said Donovan in an interviewed that aired on NBC Sports. “I feel an obligation always to be honest in my life. A lot of times that comes off in different ways. I see a lot of people can perceive that as bitter and having an ax to grind, but I’ve always been honest. When I have a good day, I tell you. When I have a bad day, I tell you. When other people are good or bad, I tell you.

“I’m always going to be honest. People like it or they don’t, but I gotta be honest.”

Donovan was critical of Klinsmann in an interview with MLSsoccer.com during the week. He said he thought the players did well and implied the coaching was bad.

[Also see: Felix Magath rips Landon Donovan via Facebook, calls him mediocre]

Many have felt that Donovan’s criticism of the coaching was motivated by his bitterness over being cut from the national team prior to the World Cup. Donovan continues to insist that is not the case.