Gerrard: MLS was hard to grasp in my first season

The former Liverpool midfielder says his first season with LA Galaxy wasn't easy but is confident that testing period will only make him a better player this season

Steven Gerrard admits he found it difficult to adapt to certain aspects of MLS in his first season with LA Galaxy but is adamant that will only make him a better player this term.
Galaxy are looking to put to bed the misery of failing to retain their MLS Cup in 2015 when they face DC United on the opening day of the new campaign on Sunday.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard joined midway through last season and has revealed there were a few surprises that took him a while to get used to.
"There were some shocks and surprises when you go away on the road," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports.
"The altitude, the humidity, the length of travel, and obviously getting used to team-mates and new tactics, it's a different way of playing. I will certainly be better for the highs and lows of last season.
"The level is certainly a lot better than people think. You have an opinion when you watch this game on the eye and it's very competitive. There are some good players in the league, good managers and good tactics.
"I've sampled different training sessions at LA Galaxy that I've never done before so maybe one day I can use different bits and bobs that I've learnt over here."
After losing in the first round of the play-offs last year, Galaxy suffered a thumping 4-0 aggregate defeat to Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday

Gerrard, though, is determined to ensure he has a trophy to show for his spell in America.
He continued: "Win the MLS Cup or go close [is the aim]. Last year we went out of the first round of the play-offs, the wheels fell off towards the end of the league campaign.
"We conceded too many goals and we got a really tricky away tie against Seattle in the play-offs. We need to position ourselves better in the league before it goes to the play-offs, then it's a bit of a lottery.
"We need to perform and be consistent in knock-out competition. Hopefully I'll go home with a trophy."
Gerrard ended his 17-year association with Liverpool when deciding to swap Anfield for pastures new with Galaxy in 2015
The midfielder has previously suggested that 2016 could be the year he decides to hang up his boots, but he says he doesn't want to rush any decision to retire.
"I don't want to shut any doors and I don't want to make any rash decisions because where I sit now I still feel healthy," he added.

"I still feel fit, I still feel like I could play in most levels in the game so where I sit now I'm not ready to retire. Will I be ready in 10 or 11 months' time? We'll have to wait and see."