The LA Galaxy will look much different in 2017.
Along with not having Designated Players Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard and long-time assistant coach Dave Sarachan, the Galaxy will be without head coach Bruce Arena next year following Tuesday's announcement that he was taking over the US national team until 2018.
Arena's departure leaves the Galaxy with someone different manning the sidelines for the first time since 2008, only adding to the amount of change LA will experience as they attempt to retool following an early elimination from the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I think they’re in very good shape," Arena said on a conference call hosted by US Soccer on Tuesday. "We developed a plan for 2017, and we’ve been moving along and checking the boxes. I think they’re in really good shape with the returning group coming back and the Designated Player prospects as well as the [Targeted Allocation Money] player prospects.
“We have an extensive list, and we’ve done a lot of work and we’re already looking at this point for two or three players to sign. I think the team will be ready to go and have a successful 2017 season.”
There is no word yet as to who the Galaxy are targeting to sign going into next year, but they have consistently filled all three of the available Designated Player slots and two are currently available after the recent announcements of Keane and Gerrard's exits.
Mexico national team attacker Giovani dos Santos remains as the lone DP currently on LA's books for 2017.
