CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy president Chris Klein believes that the LA Galaxy are still in contention for a playoff berth after the departure of head coach Sigi Schmid.
The Galaxy announced on Monday that Schmid had stepped down from his duties, allowing Dominic Kinnear to serve as interim manager for the remainder of the season. During a teleconference later in the day, Klein told media members that the move was a “collective decision” between the head coach and the club as the team prepares for the final six games of the 2018 campaign.
At present, the club is three points behind sixth-place Seattle Sounders FC ahead of their clash with Toronto FC on Saturday.
"We are certainly looking forward to the last six games of the season, and we’re confident in Dominic Kinnear as our interim manager and feel that he has the tools to fight for a playoff spot," Klein said. "We understand the uphill battle that we have, but as a club, we’re going to keep fighting. Beyond that, as it relates to the long-term, we will start our search for our next permeant head coach immediately.”
Although Los Angeles find themselves facing an uphill climb for a playoff berth, the Galaxy president is hopeful.
“We’re hoping for an injection of energy in the group, with getting some players back that it could shift some momentum. The reality is that we just don’t know, but we’re hoping that it’s a good thing for us.
“A change during the season is never ideal, that is a concern, but Dominic knows this team well. He knows the group and knows what is needed,” Klein continued. “It’s never ideal, but we still feel like we have some games left where we can make some noise. It’s one game at a time for us and it’s one game at a time for this and that’s the objective for Dominic and this group.”
