It only took one meeting, but LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena can tell that Steven Gerrard has the character and the talent to bring the Galaxy more titles.
Arena traveled to Liverpool on Thursday along with club president Chris Klein to meet with their newest designated player at LFC’s Europa League Round of 32 first leg tie against Turkish side Beskitas at Anfield.
Gerrard was unable to suit up for the Reds due to a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for at least another week, but that detail notwithstanding, the meeting at the Anfield was a complete success according to Arena.
“He’s first class. There’s no question about it,” Arena told LA Galaxy Insider by phone on Friday. “He’s got his commitment to Liverpool that he will fulfill and then when he arrives, he will be everything that he can be.”
Arena was reserved about the details of his discussion with his new designated player, but noted that he spoke on general terms about his expectations for the Englishman upon his arrival as well as providing tips for Gerrard’s family as they prepare for the move stateside.
A move that Arena claims is one that Gerrard and the rest of his family are “fully prepared for.”
“He’s the type of player that his quality speaks for itself on the field, but I think he has the full package in terms of leadership and experience,” Arena said. “When you add a player like that, he not only makes your team better but he positions you to win more championships.”
With Arena’s brief summit at Anfield a success, the head coach says that he’d be open to bringing Gerrard stateside for an expanded meeting with the rest of the Galaxy staff prior to his official arrival this summer.
“He may come over if his schedule permits before he arrives in June or July,” Arena said. “He’d have a chance to get a feel for the city and other things, but he’s an experienced person and he will be able to adapt to regardless. I’m quite optimistic about that.”
Although Gerrard was not on the field for the match, the game itself was a memorable one as a late Mario Balotelli penalty kick goal put the Reds up 1-0 on aggregate against the Turkish side. Gerrard does not figure to be in contention for the second leg next Thursday in Istanbul at the site of his 2005 UEFA Champions League title, but Arena said that he does expect the Liverpool skipper to return to training sometime next week.
Even though Gerrard’s injury prevented him from getting a chance to see his newest addition first hand, the chance to visit Anfield proved memorable for the Galaxy boss.
“Any time that you’re at Anfield, it’s a special occasion,” Arena said. “To be there and see the support in the stands, the history and the tradition of the club is simply fascinating.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
