Andy Najar played down the disappointment of being left off the Honduran national team for the Gold Cup hurt in his first comments since the roster was announced. But despite being the beneficiary, D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen gave an honest assessment of just how much of a shock it was.
“I think it’s a crime that they haven’t called him in,” Olsen said. “They’re missing out on a great young talent, but they make those decisions, and we’re happy to have him for the next month. He needs to continue what he’s been doing here and that’s putting people on their heels and creating opportunities for us.”
Ever since the 18-year-old declared his intention to play for the country of his birth in April – he immigrated to the U.S. when he was 13 – expectations in Honduras and in Washington were that he would spend most of June with his new national team. But miscommunication between D.C. United and the Honduran federation ultimately got in the way.
“I’m happy for my team, and I wish them the best at the Gold Cup, Najar said through an interpreter after practice Wednesday. “From here, all I can do is just support them and keep on working hard, and down the road hopefully I can get another call-up. I was sad when I heard the decision, but I understand it.”
New Honduran coach Luis Fernando Suarez told Najar in a phone conversation that he would be considered for the next camp at the end of the summer. Until then, Najar will turn his attention solely to D.C. United, where he has bounced back of late from a slow start to his second MLS season.
“It’s a blow for him,” Olsen said. “I think he’s taken a couple days where it’s been on his mind. My message to him is, “Refocus, and get on with it. You’re a young kid, and you’re going to have plenty of spots.’”
“I was preparing to be with the Honduras team, but it’s not a distraction for me,” Najar said. “On the contrary, that gives me more motivation to keep working hard and hopefully be there for the next call-up.”
Saying Honduras was his home country and that he’d be sure to watch the team’s Gold Cup matches on TV, Najar also quashed any notion that he would reconsider his national allegiance.
“The next time there is an opportunity to go to the [Honduras] national team, I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Right now, the opportunity wasn’t there for me, so I’ve just got to keep working hard.”
