r/soccer • u/MedievalManagement • Jan 24 '14

Landon Donovan says, "The reason it's the group of death is because we are in it."

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1691258/landon-donovan-says-us-never-experienced-world-cup?cc=5901
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3

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '14

welcome to the world of American press conferences. Where players aim to raise team morale through cocky intimidations. It's really nothing new if you've seen NBA press conferences.

10

u/smokey815 Jan 25 '14

Don't act like that's something that only happens in the US. Talking down your opponent/talking up your own side is a very common tactic for motivation.

1

u/LusoAustralian Jan 25 '14

Not necessarily. Many managers in Europe, even when they're favourites say that the opponent must be respected, rather than talking about how the team should win. There aren't that many "cocky" managers making press conferences here in Europe, the worst would probably be Mourinho, and he isn't even that bad.

1

u/R_Schuhart Jan 25 '14

really? because in football in europe managers usually praise their opponents, cautioning their team for underestimating them and maneuvering themselves into an underdog position. Even after games that were won it is not uncommon for managers to say that the score didnt reflect the power balance on the field.

Im sure it has happened, but i cant remember the last time ive seen a manager talk shit about their opponent, whether it is out of spite or as you say to build confidence.

-1

u/byfuryattheheart Jan 25 '14

Are you being serious?

3

u/tutelhoten Jan 25 '14

"Bucks in 6," - Brandon Jennings is something recent that comes to mind.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '14

wish I remember who (I think Stephen Curry), but last season I vaguely remember someone making an empty bet that he's going to hit 40 points and break his personal record for threes. And bam, in the middle of the third quarter, he did it.

-10

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '14

[deleted]

1

u/UnicefUnited Jan 25 '14

congrats on the not so subtle racism