Chicharito fails in the United States

On January 21, 2020, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced the signing of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, from Sevilla for € 8.5 million. The Mexican arrived with the star striker vitola, wanting to try his luck in MLS as his compatriot Carlos Vela in LAFC (maximum rival), and, therefore, return the galactic franchise to the top of the competition (it is the most awarded with five titles) “swelling” to goals. In front, another great challenge such as filling the huge void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to Milan: 52 goals in 56 games.

Nothing is further from reality. Nine months later, a pandemic in between, a hiatus in the league itself and injuries, have placed ‘Chicharito’ as one of the worst transfers in LA Galaxy. Barely there are ten games he has played the 32-year-old Mexican, among those who has scored a single goal, since three months have passed. He scored it in the MLS Is Back, a tournament organized by the league to restore normalcy, which was held at the Disney complex in Orlando (Florida).

Even in recent weeks his possible departure at the end of the season has already been speculated. The ownership of the galactic franchise could have entered into negotiations with the Chivas de Guadalajara. Precisely, the team in which he grew up and made his professional debut to later make the leap to Europe with Manchester United. Gone are the times when ‘Chicharito’ thrashed in the big leagues of the old continent with the ‘Red Devils’, Real Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. His poor time in the United States is another reflection of his decline that already flourished in his stages at West Ham or Seville.

LA Galaxy, a long-time sick five-time champion

Further, To the fiasco of the signing of the Mexican we must add the terrible moment that LA Galaxy is going through – once again: only record 21 points of the possible 60, are penultimate in the Western Conference, and add 26 goals for and 42 against. This translates into encountering more than minimal options to reach the Playoffs in the absence of 'Decision Day' (last day in which the matches of each Conference are condensed at the same time). A situation that triggered the dismissal of Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto as “galactic” coach. And, again, with Domnic Kinnear taking the reins of interim technician.

However, it is a problem that goes beyond what transcends sports, targeting those above. Since 2017, three coaches (Curt Onalfo, Sigi Schmid and Guillermo Barros Schelotto) and three general managers (Peter Vagenas, Sigi Schmid and Dennis te Kloese) have passed. The results? No titles, bottoming out in 2017 when they posted their worst ever record, become the worst franchise in MLS. In addition, they linked 2018 with two years for the first time without qualifying for the Playoffs. While 2019 was a mere mirage for what would come shortly after.

Thus, there are already many voices that do not point only to the pitch and the bench. Now they also look up clearly pointing to other personalities: Chris Klein, president and former player of the franchise. It is time to rebuild, once again, to recover the 'Galactic Empire' that not long ago dominated the 'soccer' of the United States.