Chalk it up as a miscommunication. Freddie Ljungberg and Seattle Sounders FC both confirmed that the Swedish superstar will be in training camp starting Monday, Feb. 1.
After failing to show up for the first day of Sounders FC training camp, Ljungberg expressed surprise that his absence caused a stir with the Seattle front office. In a statement in his personal blog, Freddie Speaks Up, the Swedish star replied to comments from head coach Sigi Schmid, saying that he had spoken to Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer.
Hanauer confirmed that he was in contact with Ljungberg's representatives and was not surprised by Ljungberg's absence on Monday. However, the breakdown of communication seems to be with whether this is an unexcused absence or not -- Ljungberg thought it was, but Schmid and the players thought the opposite. The communication had taken place through Ljungberg's agent at CAA, Claes Elefalk.
"Yesterday Adrian had a conversation with Freddie and his agent that I wasn't privy to until the afternoon because of when it occurred," Schmid said after practice. "I am looking forward to Freddie coming in. I'm glad all this is behind us.
"We are looking at moving forward and making sure we are a better team than we were last year."
Schmid said Ljungberg will not miss too much in terms of fitness work. This week's practice sessions have been relatively light, focused on getting players back into the swing of things and short-sided matches. Tuesday's practice lasted a little over an hour.
Even when battling migraine headaches and coming off hip surgery last season, the midfielder showed the ability to step on the field and play extended minutes after such absences, minimizing any fitness concerns.
In a post published on Tuesday afternoon, Ljungberg apologized to the fans for the confusion and quashed rumors that he might be moving to a new club.
"I can say that the reason I missed training this week was because of a communication error due to the business discussions," Ljungberg wrote. "I had by this point already committed to playing with the Sounders next year, which I am very excited about."
Kasey Keller, the veteran goalkeeper who is not shy about speaking his mind, had criticized Ljungberg Monday for not being in practice. With the exception of a couple of trialists who will join the team in Arizona next week, all Sounders FC players were present for the start of camp.
Named to the MLS Best XI in 2009, Ljungberg started 21 games, notching two goals and a team-leading nine assists. The Swede will have two days of training in Seattle before the team heads to Arizona to bank fitness in advance of the 2010 season.
Seattle opens the season against the expansion Philadelphia Union on March 25.
Andrew Winner is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
