CARSON, Calif. – Zlatan Ibrahimović believes that things must change for the LA Galaxy if they’re going to bust out of their recent slump.
Los Angeles suffered another disappointing draw on Tuesday when they played the Colorado Rapids to a 2-2 stalemate. The tie was the Galaxy’s second draw in two matches and extended the team’s winless run to three games.
Against the Rapids, the script was all too familiar as the Galaxy could not preserve a lead after goals from Ashley Cole and Sebastian Lletget. Following the match, the Swedish striker admitted that it’s the little things that are costing the Galaxy points—and may cost them the postseason.
“The last three games have been very irritating because we should win these games. If you look at the table, if we took all the points that we should have taken, we are probably first or second in the whole league. It’s very irritating because we make basic things look very difficult," Ibrahimovic said. "This should not happen. These mistakes happen where my son is training, but there you are learning. That is where you learn basic things. We just have to work hard and keep going because I feel like there is a big confusion on the field.
“The first goal—cannot happen. The ball goes out, and you need to pressure. Basic thing. The second goal— should not go in,” he added. “Basic things, you be on your toes, and you are ready always when the ball comes. Basic things, we make look difficult. Everybody talks about the playoff, the way we play now, we don’t even deserve playoffs. That is how the situation is.”
The Swede was also not shy to voice his frustration with his showing as he saw his streak of eight appearances with either a goal or an assist fall by the wayside. Visibly irritated at times during the match, Ibrahimovic admitted that he must do better as well.
“Two games, not even one clear chance,” he said. “I’m trying to run into space to get the ball, the only thing I’ve had is four free kicks. Two of them hit the birds outside the stadium, one of them caught the [goalkeeper’s] hand, and the fourth I hit the crossbar. Those are the only chances I’ve had. I’m trying, but I’m not getting the clear chances.’
Los Angeles and Ibrahimovic will now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash with Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field. The Galaxy will look to lean on Ibrahimovic’s output against the streaking Sounders, but the stadium’s artificial surface could lead to a reduced role for the forward.
"I think it’s a shame to play on turf because football was not created on turf," he said. "But so far, I only played one game on turf in Portland where I played only 10 minutes, and that was the worst turf that I ever played on, … that says it all. I haven’t come so far, it’s only Tuesday, I lost two points and let’s see what happens tomorrow, and I will discuss what the situation will be for the weekend."
