Winning start for Gerrard in Galaxy debut
AFP
AFP, LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said Steven Gerrard is still a month away from full fitness after the Liverpool legend made a winning start to his career with the Major League Soccer giants Saturday.
Gerrard played the opening 45 minutes of the Galaxys 2-1 win over Mexican side Club America, just under two months after his last appearance for Liverpool.
The former England midfielder admitted he was short of match fitness but hopes to get as much game time as possible under his belt as he attempt to settle in to his new surroundings.
Physically, it was tough, Gerrard said afterward. I havent played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes.
Hopefully I get some more minutes Tuesday (in the US Open Cup match at Real Salt Lake) and be ready for the big game on Friday (against the San Jose Earthquakes).
The Galaxys former US national team coach Arena said Gerrard was probably about a month away from being fit enough to play a full match.
It will take some games. It doesnt come from training, he will have to play some matches and we will try to slowly build him into that, he said.
But Arena saw enough in Gerrards first half cameo to feel confident about the future.
For his first time out it was very encouraging, he looked like he belonged, his leadership was really good, I thought he was solid, Arena said.
The former Liverpool talisman showed one or two glimpses of class before being substituted at half-time to applause from a 27,934-strong crowd.
Gerrards full MLS debut is expected to come next Friday in a home fixture against San Jose, and he could feature in the US Open Cup match against Real Salt Lake on Tuesday.
For me personally, it was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and Ill keep getting better and better and the more I get used to my teammates, Ill improve, Gerrard added.
Gerrard, 35, who has signed an 18-month deal with the Galaxy after spending his entire 17-year professional career with Liverpool, almost secured a fairytale debut goal in his best chance of the night.
The midfielder produced a trademark burst into the penalty from midfield to latch onto a clever flick from Jose Villarreal, only to be denied after a fine save from America goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez.
Earlier, Gerrard showed that his passing ability is also likely to cause problems for MLS opponents, with one sublime 40-yard ball picking out a teammate after six minutes.
