The LA Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid resigned Monday morning and will be replaced in the interim by assistant coach Dominic Kinnear.
“I have coached at various levels of soccer in the United States for over 35 years, where I have dedicated myself to furthering the sport in our country,” Schmid in a statement released by the Galaxy. “After careful consideration, I have decided to step away from coaching at this time, but would like to remain in the game.
“With six games remaining as the club fights for a playoff spot, I understand the timing of this decision is unfortunate. However, I believe this group can come together and fight for a spot this season under Dom’s guidance. I am grateful to the LA Galaxy for being such a significant part of my life and my career. I want to thank [franchise owner] Mr. Anschutz, the fans, my players and the club for their support during my time here.”
ESPN’s Taylor Twellman first reported the decision on Twitter Monday morning. Club sources said a press conference will be held later today.
Effective immediately Sigi Schmid is stepping down from @LAGalaxy as head coach with Dominic Kinnear taking over as interim. #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) September 10, 2018
LA Times reporter Kevin Baxter reported the move was Schmid’s decision.
Word is Sigi Schmid resigned and was not fired. If that's true, the timing is interesting. Seems designed to have maximum impact given the playoff race. @LAGalaxy has scheduled a conference call for 2 p.m. PT
— Kevin Baxter 🇺🇦🏳️🌈🇵🇷 (@kbaxter11) September 10, 2018
The Galaxy sit in eighth place in the Western Conference standings, three points out of the playoff picture. In their last match, the Galaxy suffered a frustrating 6-2 loss away to Real Salt Lake, which was a tough loss to take to a Western Conference opponent also looking for a playoff spot.
“We just have a hill to climb,” Schmid said after that match. “What our team needs to do now is accept the challenge that presents itself in front of us. It’s a task but we shouldn’t be pro soccer players or coaches if we didn’t like challenges and if we didn’t go after it. Now it’s a matter of going after it, accepting the challenge and embracing and working hard to move forward.”
Looking ahead, Dominic Kinnear has just six matches left in the regular season to get the Galaxy into a potential playoff spot.
“I want to thank Sigi and the LA Galaxy for bringing me here last season,” said Kinnear in a statement from the club. “Our focus now is to win as many games as possible through the end of the season.”