Galaxy’s Remarks Rankle

Octavio Zambrano planned to say little after his unexpected firing by the Galaxy last week. Then he heard what the team had to say about him.

In announcing the change last Thursday, Galaxy President Tim Leiweke claimed Zambrano wasn’t communicating with players or making halftime adjustments.

“I was stunned by those comments,” Zambrano said Monday. “There was no need to say those things.”

Zambrano had a 41-22 record since 1997 and led the Galaxy to the Major League Soccer semifinals last season. His 1998 team set league records for scoring.

But his job was rumored to be in jeopardy when Philip F. Anschutz bought the team in the off-season. Zambrano was fired after the Galaxy started 2-3, scoring only three goals in five games.

That led to the hiring of longtime UCLA Coach Sigi Schmid, who interviewed for the spot last fall and recently finished a coaching tour with the U.S. under-20 national team.

“I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to figure this one out,” Zambrano said.

The former coach said he worked hard at making adjustments during games, especially because his team--with young players in several key positions--was only starting to gel.

Among the veterans who have defended Zambrano, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman said there was “a healthy environment within the club.”

On Monday, Leiweke declined to elaborate on last week’s comments.

“I think we’ve spoken our piece about the coaching change,” he said. “I wish nothing but the best for Octavio.”

Even Zambrano, though obviously upset, tempered his remarks.

“Soccer is a very small circle,” he said. “I don’t want to create any enemies.”