CARSON, Calif. – Sigi Schmid feels confident that he’s gotten his message across after his first full week as LA Galaxy head coach.
Schmid replaced Curt Onalfo last Wednesday and helped the Galaxy earn a hard-fought draw with Seattle Sounders FC just days later. After a hectic week that saw considerable turnover for the Galaxy, Schmid spent his first full week with his team simply trying to “calm things down and get order.”
“What is important this week is for them to get used to my training style because every coach has a different rhythm and cadence from the point of intensity,” Schmid said. “It’s a chance for them to get acquainted with the rhythm and cadence that I have and for them to see how they respond to that because there are things I want to see.”
Ahead of a crucial game against Portland Timbers this weekend, Schmid’s emphasis on competition has helped his squad.
"He keeps us focused and helps correct issues," veteran midfielder Jermaine Jones said. "From the first day, you can see that he has a lot of experience."
After a full week with Schmid as the team's manager, the Galaxy are confident that they can earn a result in Portland.
“We got a lot done. He’s tried to implement things that he wants us to do, and we’ve had more time to practice,” defender Daniel Steres said. “We had a good base [against Seattle]. We had a lot of training this week that we haven’t had in a while, so that will help us this weekend.”
