Former English national team captain Steven Gerrard is expected to make his debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday night in an International Champions Cup game against Mexico’s Club America at StubHub Center.
Gerrard will start the game and play the first half, Galaxy coach- general manager Bruce Arena said Friday.
“We just want to bring him into the team,” Arena said. “The players have to start getting used to him and he’s got to get a feel for his teammates.”
Gerrard was introduced to fans at last Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Toronto FC.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Gerrard said. “It was quite frustrating watching the team against Toronto. I was pleased with the win, but I was itching to join the boys.”
The 35-year-old midfielder said he needs the 45 minutes on the field “for my fitness.”
Gerrard said he spoke with Arena, who told him he wanted “to build my minutes up with the idea that the first couple of games is to get used to the team and the team shape and the way the players play.”
The Galaxy will face Real Salt Lake in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal Tuesday and resume Major League Soccer play Friday against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Gerrard signed with the Galaxy in January to join the team during MLS’ summer transfer window following the May conclusion of the season of the English Premier League’s Liverpool team where he spent his entire professional career.
Under regulations from FIFA, soccer’s worldwide governing body, there are two periods during the year when teams may add players to their rosters from teams in other nations.
The aggressiveness that Philip Anschutz, the billionaire whose extensive holdings includes the Galaxy; Dan Beckerman, the president and CEO of AEG, the Galaxy’s parent company; Arena and team president Chris Klein showed when they were attempting to sign Gerrard “made me feel very important and wanted,” Gerrard said.
“That’s key when you’re a footballer,” Gerrard said. “I had options to stay in the Premier League, options around Europe, but I didn’t want to compete against Liverpool. I love Liverpool Football Club and always will.
“I needed a new challenge. I needed a fresh challenge. I didn’t want to become a squad player or a sub for the club that I love after being a regular on the team for so long.”
Gerrard said Galaxy officials conveyed their interest in signing him last fall.
“I had a short time to think about it,” Gerrard said. “I spoke to Bruce and Chris. After one or two conversations, I knew this was the place for me.”
Gerrard said he “leaned on” his English national teammate, David Beckham, for advice before signing with the Galaxy. Beckham played for the Galaxy from 2007-12.
Gerrard played 17 seasons with Liverpool, helping lead it to 10 major trophies over the past 15 years, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He was England’s captain during the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
“When the opportunity arose to talk with Steven, we instantly thought he would a perfect fit for our team,” Arena said. “Steven’s leadership and ability on the field is outstanding.”
The Galaxy won the 2014 MLS championship, but lost Landon Donovan, considered the greatest American male soccer player, to retirement. The team is fourth place in the 10-team Western Conference with a 8-6-7 record.
“We’ve got a fantastic team here and a fantastic setup and if I can just add a little bit to that and contribute to the best of my ability, the future can be really bright,” Gerrard said.
The game is the first of two for the Galaxy in the International Champions Cup, a 10-team tournament with three MLS teams, Club America and six European teams. The Galaxy’s other tournament game will be July 21 at the Rose Bowl against FC Barcelona, in a game that has already sold out.
—City News Service