CARSON, Calif. — A day after Chivas USA announced the acquisition of Gabriel Farfan from the Philadelphia Union, head coach José Luis “El Chelís” Sánchez Solá told reporters he’s not looking for the 24-year-old midfielder to play a heroic role with his new club.
“A player that will contribute and one that will adapt to what we want to do,” Chelís said Wednesday of what he expects from the San Diego native. “We’re not looking for anything more, nothing extraordinary. Here, no one is required to do the extraordinary, and Farfan is not an extraordinary player.”
In exchange for Farfan, Chivas USA sent Philadelphia their first natural SuperDraft selection in 2014 and allocation money. Per club and league policy, other terms of the deal were not disclosed.
When asked if Chivas USA gave up too much, Chelís offered an analogy.
“In life there is not too much nor too little,” Chelís said. “How much is a glass of water in the desert? And how much is a glass of water in a restaurant? They give those away here, but in a desert, what’s the value? The quantity you pay in life, in any aspect, is based on demand. If Chivas don’t have the players and need the characteristics of Farfan, then it will be costly for Chivas.”
Farfan played in six matches, making three starts, with Philadelphia this year. He had an assist in 1,960 minutes last season and scored his lone MLS goal in 2011.
Chivas USA have been shut out in four of their previous five matches heading into Sunday’s home game against Real Salt Lake. Farfan will be eligible for game-day selection, but had not joined the squad as of Wednesday morning.
