COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Just after losing out to the Colorado Rapids on penalty kicks, the questions started flying about the future of a veteran-heavy LA Galaxy team – and its coach.
Two of LA’s Designated Players – Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard – are out of contract at the end of the year, and did not start any of LA’s three playoff games. Head coach Bruce Arena is also out of contract, and has so far stayed mum on his future.
“The makeup of your team changes a fair amount year to year but never keep a team together in the long term because of our various rules and the salary cap,” said Arena when asked about not only his own status but those of some key players from recent championship runs.
Although Gerrard did not speak to media, Keane did address his future after the game, noting that he could wind up an opponent of the Galaxy in 2017. When asked by reporters post-match about his next step, Keane said confidently, “I’ll be playing next year, somewhere. Whether that’s here or somewhere else I’ll 100% be playing in the league.”
The future of Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer’s all-time goals and assists leader, is also up in the air after his surprise return to the Galaxy for the stretch run. Donovan, who originally retired at the end of the 2014 season before making his comeback, stayed mum when asked about his next move.
“It’s not the time to talk about that,” said the US International legend before trailing off, “you’ll see me – I don’t know where, but…”
Arena gave a similar reply regarding Donovan’s future, saying, “I don’t know anything about next year. We just finished playing. I haven’t got in to 2017 yet.”
As for Arena, the Galaxy head coach and GM seemed to indicate that a return is on the cards, but didn’t offer anything concrete to the assembled media one way or the other.
“I don’t talk about my contract,” the five-time MLS Cup winner said. “As of now I am [going to be back] but we’ll see.”
