CARSON — The chapter following the Galaxy’s MLS Cup championship season hasn’t been what the team and coach Greg Vanney have expected.

Injuries, departures and subpar play have all contributed to a dismal, winless start through the first 13 games of the season.

Despite the current situation, the Galaxy announced Thursday that Vanney’s contract had been extended for three years through 2028. His contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.

“This started over drinks at the MLS Cup after party back in December, we knew that this was the direction that we wanted to go in,” Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said Friday. “Why it took so long? I think the first part was that Greg was really selfless in putting the team above himself and we knew that we had a lot of work to do in a short amount of time.

“He said, ‘I want to get the team settled first, make sure we have the group that we need to have and I’ll worry about my stuff.’ A lot of going back and forth, small language changes and all that, that was the second part of the delay. Obviously, this season hasn’t started the way any of us wanted to, but I think it’s pretty clear that this decision reflects our faith in Greg and we’re not being reactionary to results that I think are not remotely Greg’s fault.”

The Galaxy (0-10-3) have played the entire season without star midfielder Riqui Puig, who is out with an ACL injury. His return this season is still uncertain and the club has recently been without Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, their other two Designated Players.

Puig voiced his pleasure with Friday’s news, posting on his social media: “The journey isn’t over yet. I came to LA to win titles, just like we did last season. It wouldn’t be the same without our coach by our side. We believe in the process. Let’s keep pushing forward together.”

According to The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio, Vanney’s new deal will “make him the highest paid coach in MLS without a dual sporting director title.”

Vanney, who played for the Galaxy from 1996-2001 and in 2008, returned as coach in 2021. After a down 2023, the club turned around and won their league-best sixth MLS Cup last season.

“Personally, I feel really grateful for him because I think he’s a really good coach and he’s very smart, intelligent and very detail-oriented,” midfielder Edwin Cerrillo said. “I think ever since I got here, I’ve grown in the aspect of soccer and he brought a lot of joy back to my game. These (first) 13 games haven’t gone our way, so we want to repay him with victories and I’m just glad he’s here for longer.”

Vanney said Friday that he didn’t want to have the moment focusing on his extension, considering the current performance of the club.

“I’m excited and proud to be here, forward facing and continuing the project,” Vanney said. “This is the club that I care about. This is the club that has given me so much opportunity as a player and as a coach. We just won a championship and I believe there’s many more in our future.”