Steven Gerrard’s LA Galaxy Press Conference
“It’s very exciting. I’m just looking forward to getting my boots out and getting on the pitch”, said Gerrard during his presentation as Major League Soccer’s Galaxy’s new designated player.
July 9, 2015
England’s National Captain, lifetime Liverpool FC midfielder and Captain, and Merseyside legend Steven Gerrard was introduced in a press conference Tuesday (July 7th) as MLS LA Galaxy’s new arrival.
Pretty much reflecting the story of Major League Soccer in America, having to compete on viewers’ attention with other major sports and events, Gerrard’s arrival was only one of several exciting events going on in American soccer that night. With celebrations taking place in Downtown LA for the US Women’s National Team winning the Soccer World Cup, and another press conference being held at the same time in the East Coast, with his countryman Frank Lampard being introduced by rival MLS club NYCFC, Gerrard was not enjoying all of the spotlight of American soccer that afternoon.
Still, Steven Gerrard came prepared, in a very eloquent, knowledgeable and humble manner nailed a press conference that left a great and professional impression on many LA Galaxy and MLS followers alike. Although playing professional soccer for the past 18 years, he spent all of his tenure in Liverpool FC, so LA Galaxy is the second club in Gerrard’s career. Still, despite of a new country, club and new life pretty much, Gerrard seems to be settling well, and the future seems promising.
On the move to LA and the team Gerrard said: “I had a bit of a jetlag and moved into a new house, it’s new and fresh, and it has been a bit of a whirlwind but it’s very exciting. I’m just looking forward to getting my books on and getting on the pitch”.
LA Galaxy are now defending MLS Champions and ranked 4 right now at the Major League Soccer Western Conference. Although it is clear that Gerrard will bring to the team a huge boost in ability, skill and consistency, it will still need to get used to the players, style, team and even pitch in order to really show his powerful effect, and make is famous magic in controlling the ball, making plays and creating opportunities.
Gerard was introduced to LA Galaxy supporters, press and team at halftime on Saturday’s MLS Galaxy match against Toronto FC. He commented: “At the game on Saturday I had a wonderful reception by the supporters and great welcome by my teammates. I can’t wait to get playing with them”. Gerard kept paying tribute to the team: “We’ve got a fantastic team here, a fantastic setup and I hope to add a bit, and contribute to the best of my ability.”
The Liverpool icon also had good things to say about the administration, league and the way he was dealt with. Referring to Major League Soccer, he commented: “It has grown. I think it has improved. I have been very impressed with the standard of training from my own teammates so far”.
He also admitted that he admired the aggressive approach of LA Galaxy in bringing him to the club: “First and foremost I would like to than the club for getting me here. The club and [head coach] Bruce [Arena] were very aggressive in making me come here and I am really excited to be here”.
Gerrard paid tribute to two former LA Galaxy players David Beckham and Landon Donovan: “I’m really excited to be with the LA Galaxy and you mentioned two names there: David Beckham and Landon Donovan, who have contributed terrifically well to this club and if I can follow their footsteps, I will be very, very happy.
He Added: “David is a hero of mine, someone who I was lucky to play with. A fantastic guy and wonderful footballer, and he’s certainly someone I leaned on for advice. I asked him a few questions before I decided to come here”. And also mentioned Landon Donovan: “And Landon, who I played against at Everton. He was the enemy for short periods of time, who I’m sure I will bump into around the place and I will be good to bounce some feedback off him as well. He’s a legend here, a hero”.
Steven Gerrard will possibly be making his club debut on Friday, July 17th, with LA Galaxy hosting California rivals San Jose Earthquakes at StubHub Center.
