CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena addressed the rumors linking the Galaxy to Mexican international Giovani Dos Santos after training on Friday.
With the team finalizing their preparations ahead of Saturday’s clash with Toronto FC, Arena was asked about the various reports that have linked the Galaxy to the Mexican international.
“We haven’t signed anyone,” Arena said. “We have no comment on players until we sign them. I think that’s generally been the case during the years that I’ve been here.”
When asked if he was in favor of the reported new player mechanism that may allow players to add marquee players, however, Arena stated his feelings were mixed.
“That’s a complicated question to answer with a lot of issues that entail bringing in elite players. There’s a lot of ways of doing it,” Arena said. “I think at some point, ownership will probably reevaluate how we build rosters and build our league, and then look for other solutions.”
If Dos Santos does make the move to the Galaxy, Mexico national team head coach Miguel Herrera will not stand in the player’s way. Herrera told reporters after El Tri’s scoreless draw with Honduras that he wouldn't drop the player if he decides to come to Major League Soccer.
“No. Why? He’ll have a team, maintain his game rhythm. There’s no reason it would affect anything. Teams try to sign important players as leading figures and if Galaxy has considered Gio (it is because) they think, and I think too, that they would be getting an important player,” Herrera told reporters. “He would have to be a Designated Player. I don’t know if there has been an approach or not, I’m thinking about the tournament [Gold Cup]. But of course if he [signs for Galaxy and] keeps up the standard [of play] that he has and shows every game, I’ll be calm."
