CARSON, Calif. – Call Sunday’s SuperClasico against Chivas USA a “must win” for the LA Galaxy or whatever you like, but LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena is preaching patience and focus for his club as they look to solidify a spot in the postseason.
Arena will be suspended for Sunday’s match after leaving the technical area during last week’s 1-0 defeat to the Portland Timbers, but when asked if his team –which sits just a point from of being out of the postseason—is facing a must win, the Galaxy boss countered that sentiment.
“This is what we do for a living. People that can’t take pressure, can’t take criticism and all of that stuff that is tough and can damage your ego and confidence a little, that’s part of the game,” said Arena. “I’ve watched our congressional leaders tear themselves a part and they’ll have to deal with that and get everything headed in the right direction. Our job is easy; we’re just playing a game. This can’t be the hardest thing in life that we’re experiencing right now.
“As for any of that fine line stuff, this is it. We’ve been a team that has generally responded well to big games, so we have to show that down the stretch.”
Whether the match is a must win remains to be seen, but the Galaxy head coach is quick to note that with four games remaining in the 2013 MLS Regular Season schedule, every game counts.
“We’re now entering October and there’s not a team qualified for the playoffs yet. Every game is pretty important,” said Arena. “Everything is up for grabs at this point. The team with the most points in the league has 52? We’ve got 45 and you’re already writing our obituaries."
