Chicharito addresses LA Galaxy's recent downward spiral after 3 defeats
LA Galaxy captain Chicharito addressed the team’s current downward spiral after suffering three consecutive defeats, maintaining things should be 'put into perspective'.
The star striker finally returned to training after missing the team’s last two matches due to health and safety protocols. During his time away, LA Galaxy lost to the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes, dropping to seventh place on the Western Conference standings.
“I don’t want to throw the house out of the window like we say in Mexico, that we’re terrible, that we’re the worst team. No, no,” the 34-year-old said at training Wednesday.
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“We need to put things in perspective. We’re still in the playoffs. Imagine if we improve at those things you mention, it’s going to be very difficult to stop us. That’s the key of every league, to improve in your weaknesses and to maintain your fortress and your qualities.”
LA Galaxy last won on July 4, when defeating CF Montreal 4-0 with goals from Chicharito, Dejan Joveljić, and Rayan Raveloson. But the team has since allowed eight goals in three games, the second-worst record in Major League Soccer this season.
Chicharito continued to insist that the team can turn things around, but players must be held accountable to make the necessary shift.
“This is a competition, man. We need to learn how to – when they’re outside of the field we’re all comrades, we’re all teammates, we’re all friends, we love each other. But [when] we’re in the pitch, I depend on you, you depend on me and we’re playing against someone [where] I want to win. We all want the same objectives and we need to be prepared for that,” Chicharito said.
“Our problem, I don’t think, is talent-wise. I think our problem is that mentality and emotional consistency of maturity. We need to show that if we win against New York City, it’s not done. If we lose against San Jose, it’s not done.”
The team returns to action on Sunday when hosting Atlanta United at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“Since we play New York [in Week 1], the urgency is there,” Chicharito concluded. “Every point matters, every point counts. I always mention that example of last season where we’re in playoff position every single time and just in the last play with the Salt Lake game, we were off. So every point matters, every game matters.”