Los Angeles Galaxy face a crucial run of games over the next few weeks as they bid to get their MLS season back on track.
The signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Manchester United sparked plenty of excitement in Galaxy circles, but a poor run of form has led to the veteran striker blasting his under-performing teammates.
The Swedish star made an instant impact on his MLS debut, scoring twice in the second-half in a remarkable 4-3 comeback win over Los Angeles FC at the end of March.
Galaxy have won just once since then and Ibrahimovic has failed to score during their current three-match losing streak.
Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Houston Dynamo was the latest setback for Galaxy and the 36-year-old was quick to show his frustration after the game.
“It is very irritating because after five minutes we conceded already a goal like that and we are chasing goals, which is not normal,” Ibrahimovic told ESPN.
“We cannot concede like that. It shouldn’t be normal. It’s not good, it is not good.
“We can either wake up or continue like this, but if we continue like this, we don’t want the same objective – we don’t want to win.
“Either I wake up, and I take care of it, or we all wake up.”
Galaxy have two more games on the road before they return home to the Stubhub Center to face San Jose Earthquakes on May 26.
If you need a hotel room, the Hampton Inn Carson or the Holiday Inn Torrance are affordable options close to the stadium. Rates start from around $150 according to LosAngelesHotels.org. Tickets are available from about $30 at the official LA Galaxy website.
San Jose have won just once this season, but they have recorded victories in their last three league and cup games against Galaxy and it would be foolish to underestimate them.
Ahead of the San Jose match Galaxy visit FC Dallas on May 12 and Montreal Impact nine days later.
Dallas have lost once in eight outings this season, conceding just seven goals, but a victory for Galaxy would move them level on points with Oscar Pareja’s side in the Western Conference.
Galaxy’s trip to Montreal offers an excellent opportunity to get a win on the board, with the Eastern Conference club struggling towards the bottom of the standings.
LA round off May with a home game against Dallas on May 31. A ten or twelve point return from this month’s remaining fixtures is achievable and would certainly put a different slant on the club’s season.
Ibrahimovic’s signing hasn’t yet had the impact that Galaxy would have hoped, but he often raises his game when the going gets tough and things could look a lot rosier if he can inspire his teammates to “wake up”.
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