:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62214517/usa_today_11547683.0.jpg)
On the final day of media availability for the 2018 year, we weren’t sure what to expect but we were expecting something.
Before the session had kicked off at the StubHub Center, the LA Galaxy made their first announcement. Peter Vagenas, VP of Soccer Operations and a longtime member of the club as a player and executive, was fired. LA Galaxy President Chris Klein stated a new leader would be hired to run the soccer operations, and that person would also serve as the general manager.
In regards to the coaching search, the Galaxy President confirmed the club are in discussions with candidates but also clarified the manager would have to be hired by the new VP of Soccer Ops, who Klein again referred to as the “leader”.
“Not worried”
A composed Zlatan Ibrahimovic apologized to the fans for missing the playoffs, endorsed Dominic Kinnear to manage the club, bemoaned the team’s travel schedule and more in a 14-minute cameo. The Swedish superstar was mum but optimistic about his future, emphasizing he’s “not worried” about coming to terms with LA.
“When things are not good, you need to make changes”
The Lion of Los Angeles has an insatiable appetite for success. Though Zlatan is obviously angling for a better deal, as he reminded the group, “I’m not here for a vacation”. Ibra wants that sixth MLS Cup.
Very Important: It’s more than the money. the money is one thing but Zlatan almost dismissed that. It’s everything else around the club. Coach, front office, competitive team.
— Corner Of The Galaxy (@GalaxyPodcast) November 6, 2018
He’s only staying if this team can win. He did everything in his power to make that happen.#LAGalaxy https://t.co/NjlkIMpuoo
The one question mark is Zlatan’s desire for more money. Should Ibra sign a Designated Player contract, that means one of Romain Alessandrini, Giovani dos Santos or Jonathan dos Santos will have to depart the club.
The most productive and least expensive of the three DPs, Romain Alessandrini is eager to stay in Los Angeles. The former Marseille winger is rumored to have interest from the Montreal Impact, but Alessandrini’s firm response tells the story.
Romain Alessandrini says he has no intention on leaving the team unless the team doesn’t want him back. Says that he would love to stay in LA for at least another 2-3 years. #LAGalaxy
— Delmy Barillas (@DelmyBarillas) November 6, 2018
Jonathan dos Santos admitted Gio wants to stay in LA, but also confirmed he would like to stay with the Galaxy if his brother departs. Meanwhile, Giovani dos Santos was unavailable at today’s media session and Chris Klein declined to comment on the elder dos Santos.
It’s starting to look increasingly likely Gio could be on his way out of Los Angeles.
If Ibrahimovic wants Designated Player money (he does), the #LAGalaxy will have to choose between Zlatan and Giovani dos Santos.https://t.co/vxpZip3ahQ pic.twitter.com/UiDAZZtmMw
— LAG Confidential (@LAGConfidential) October 30, 2018