FRESNO, Calif. – Laurent Courtois is staying with the LA Galaxy, in albeit a much different role than the one he held in 2013.
Courtois confirmed to LA Galaxy Insider on Saturday following LA Galaxy II’s 2-1 victory over the Fresno Fuego, that he will be joining the first-year USL PRO club as a player-coach for the 2014 season. The 35-year-old who made 10 appearances in all competitions with two goals and one assist for LA’s first team last season went 45 minutes in the midfield of Galaxy II’s victory.
“It’s a nice experience for me and I look forward to bring what I can with my experience. I think that we can optimistic because the staff is interesting and the team is very good as well,” said Courtois who also operates his own soccer academy called the French Soccer Institute. “Curt Onalfo’s resume speaks for itself and I’m glad that I get the chance to work with him. For me, it’s a really it’s a great experience and I hope that I can learn as much as I can on and off the field.”
And as he gains experience with Galaxy II, Courtois hopes that his time as a player-coach will only help him when he decides to focus on coaching full time.
“[Head coaching] is the goal, so I have to learn from the best and the most experience,” added Courtois. “This is the best place to be right now.”
