MLS commissioner Don Garber responded to criticism of his league made by Jürgen Klinsmann.

Klinsmann said Monday that decisions by Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley to play in MLS rather than for European clubs make it ''very difficult for them to keep the same level that they experienced at the places where they were.''

Garber held a conference call with reporters Wednesday to say Klinsmann's remarks are ''incredibly damaging to our league'' and ''personally infuriating.'' Garber says Klinsmann's comments ''send the wrong message'' to players.

Bradley in particular has struggled since leaving Roma, both for the United States in the World Cup and for Toronto FC.