Galactic Notebook: A review of the LA Galaxy's first media availability of 2024
Looking through what stood out during the LA Galaxy's first presser of the new year
For the first time this year, the LA Galaxy held media availability at Dignity Health Sports Park as players began their first week of training.
The rumor mill is busy around the LA Galaxy with Gabriel Pec rumored to be close to finalizing a transfer to SoCal, Joesph Paintsil’s release clause has reportedly been triggered with LA in conversations with the Ghanian, and it’s been recently reported that there are conversations with Dinamo Zagreb for winger Gabrijel Rukavina
General manager Will Kuntz noted that the Galaxy is close with one Designated Player and in a good place on a second DP. He also told the media the club wants to bring in the two DPs as soon as possible to get enough time in the preseason.
Here is a look at notable notes and takeaways from Thursday afternoon’s pressers.
Who’s not in training yet
Most players have returned to the Galaxy this week with two notable exceptions - midfielder Riqui Puig and newly signed right back Miki Yamane.
According to Vanney, Puig is in Spain to complete a rehabilitation process on his ankle. The Spaniard missed four games in a row last season with an ankle injury and returned to the pitch in a second-half cameo in LA’s final game of 2023. Vanney mentioned that he’s almost done with that process and should be expected back soon.
Yamane is set to report to camp within the next week according to Vanney. The Japanese defender is in the process of finalizing all travel visa/passport work as he gets ready to move to the States.
Defender Jalen Neal is coming off getting sports hernia surgery in September and mentioned he’s dealing with a “little groin knock that stemmed from the injury”. Neal said it’s nothing serious and should be ready by the time the regular season starts. He also mentioned this injury wouldn’t affect his playstyle or cause him to change his approach to the game.
Gaston Brugman is “two to three weeks away from maximum training” according to Vanney. The Uruguayan midfielder suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee last season. His fellow compatriot, defender Martin Cáceres, is a week away from getting back to full training according to Vanney. He suffered an avulsion fracture in his left knee back in June.
No Number 1 just yet
The biggest positional question surrounding the LA Galaxy is who will be their starting goalkeeper in 2024. The SoCal club still has last year’s starter Jonathan Bond, made Novak Micovic’s loan permanent, acquired free agent John McCarthy this offseason, and drafted Ethan Brandt in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft.
The goalkeeping position was where LA struggled a lot last year but Vanney didn’t blame much of LA’s defensive struggles to his goalkeeper. Although he did mention that there were “Some [shots] that Bondy probably could have saved we can all say that, and there's some that Novak probably could have saved but the issue is it's a collective issue”.
When I asked Vanney if he’s committed to a goalkeeper, he said it’s just the third day back in the building but his response made it clear it’s anyone’s to win.
Bond is entering his fourth season with the club and isn’t fazed by the new additions at his position. “We all know each other really well and it’s been a really supportive group in training,” said Bond. With multiple starting quality goalkeepers in the preseason camp, there is a strong possibility that he could lose his starting status.
Fixing the leaks
The LA Galaxy allowed the most goals (67) in MLS last season. Their defense struggled to keep clean sheets and LA had to outscore their opponents to have a shot at collecting points.
Veteran Maya Yoshida mentioned the team needs to “rebuild good defensive philosophy” this season and reiterated last season’s defensive struggles.
“We need a concrete defensive base, very hard defensive base, that we are working on right now”, said Yoshida. “We were really confident that we have a good strong offensive side. So we need to build strong defensive side”.
The previously mentioned Yamane is currently LA’s biggest addition to the backline. Yoshida mentioned he’s a player who’s a proven winner in Japan and also has an excellent availability résumé.
Yoshida hopes to big a big help to Yamane as this will be the first time the Japanese right back plays outside of his native country. Getting Yamane acclimated to a new country and new team is what Yoshida believes can get the best out of his fellow compatriot.
Feeling some of the pressure
Vanney is entering his fourth year with the LA Galaxy and knows it’s time to get winning results consistently.
“I feel pressure just myself,” said Vanney. “There's not been many moments where I haven't been in the playoffs and haven't had some say in the playoff picture”.
Vanney mentioned having to take the load of coaching and sporting director was too much for his plate and talked with AEG president Dan Beckerman about his situation. Kuntz becoming the club’s general manager makes Vanney’s sole focus on coaching the team.
He told reporters that he spent his offseason on vacation watching soccer games in England. He used that time to clear his mind and watch teams that play similarly to his soccer philosophy. He also mentioned it was the first time in a decade he went on vacation out of the country with his family. It was his way to clear his mind from the chaos of last season and get ready for 2024.
While there will always be some blame on the coach for results, it’s also on the players to perform. It’s highly unlikely that the LA Galaxy will go through a season with multiple season-ending injuries that affect player availability.
“I would say after last year we all have a little chip on our shoulder, have some pressure to make up for that,” said Mark Delagado. “I'm excited and everyone else is excited just to get going again and just get everyone together and really get the season going and hopefully turn things around,” he added.