CARSON, Calif. -- Upon his arrival, Chivas USA head coach José Luis “Güero” Real suggested the Goats would soon find the results they had desperately sought for months. He brought change, highlighted by a switch to a four-man backline that former coach José Luis “El Chelís” Sánchez Solá adamantly steered away from.
Real has, in a sense, delivered on early promises, as the Rojiblancos have notched at least a point in four of their seven matches since he took the helm.
However, the new coach is also apparently set to bring in external aid, as last-place Chivas USA continue to battle their way through a lackluster season.
“We’ll have professional help from some experts who are visiting soon,” Real told MLSsoccer.com recently. “On the field, we’re improving our level. We know winning is the only doctor that can help our lack of confidence.”
A team psychologist had not yet been scheduled to work with players, a club spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com, but mental exercises are common in the youth ranks of parent club C.D. Guadalajara.
“We’re starting to do things that will help us improve,” Real said.
Chivas USA hope the acquisition of defender Jaime Frias, 20, from Guadalajara, as well as the return of El Salvadoran international Steven Purdy from Gold Cup participation, will further stabilize a backline that has played particularly well in recent weeks. The Goats recorded their second shutout of the season last week in a 1-0 victory against Toronto FC despite playing down a man for 65 minutes. They intend to take another positive step Sunday against the Seattle Sounders (11 pm ET, Univision Deportes).
“They asked me to maximize my effort,” Frias told MLSssocer.com “They want me to be ready if they give me the opportunity. … They haven’t told me when I’ll play, but I’m ready for this upcoming match. Hopefully I get the opportunity to play or come off the bench.”
Purdy, who has made three starts this season, rejoined the club for Thursday’s training.
“I’m really happy to be back,” Purdy said in a statement. “I’ve been following the team and the games. It seems like things are on a really good track right now and I’m just excited to help the team whatever way I can. First and foremost, I hope the team continues to do well. It was a tough month of a lot of training, but I feel good. It feels like I’m one hundred percent so I’m ready to give my all for Chivas USA now.”
