CARSON, Calif. – Jermaine Jones has joined the LA Galaxy for preseason training, and the club’s newest central midfielder is anxious to get down to business.
Jones, who signed with the Galaxy in mid-January, spent the first part of the month with the U.S. National Team and went 45 minutes in their scoreless draw with Serbia last week. The 35-year-old trained for a first time with his new club on Thursday and is expected to earn minutes next week when the team hosts Club Tijuana in their first preseason game.
“He immediately makes our team better. His physical presence, character, and competitiveness and willingness to win helps us,” head coach Curt Onalfo said. “His experience helps us. When you start adding the other pieces, each day you keep moving forward.”
With an eye at integrating with his new team, Jones admits that he spoke to U.S. head coach Bruce Arena about leaving the national team fold early to get time with the Galaxy.
“I spoke with Bruce Arena and said that since I was suspended for the first qualifier in March then I wanted to know if it was possible not to play [against Jamaica] so I could go and prepare with my new team,” Jones told LA Galaxy Insider. “I wanted to meet the guys and get the rhythm with my new team. It was good planning, and I’m happy to start with my team."
“We know that we have a long way to go, but it’s nice to get to work with the guys.”
