Galaxy coach Greg Vanney typically watches the final 10 games of the season and uses them as preparation for the playoffs.

With only eight regular-season games remaining, Galaxy resume MLS play on Saturday night at home against Atlanta United FC, where it is undefeated in 13 games.

“For us it’s three things. We want to get results. You want to go into the playoffs in the best position possible, you want to go into it with momentum and confidence,” Vanney said. “The second part is you want to have clarity within our group because as I said, a knockout tournament is a little bit different than a regular season, there are details and things we need to pay attention to in the last eight games so that becomes how we behave in every single game.”

“Lastly, we want to utilize our group and make sure everyone is ready. There are a lot of decisions to be made and we need to make sure everyone stays fresh and healthy.”

One player who is ready and available is new signing Marco Reus, the 35-year-old German midfielder who signed last week, received his visa on Thursday and will be available for action.

“Not a bad player,” said Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy. “A really good guy. He’s got quality and you can see it on the pitch. It’s nice when you have a good player who’s also a good person.”

Reus’ talent and early impact have already impressed the Galaxy.

“I think just his presence increases the concentration and intensity of the whole group,” said Vanney. “You can see his quality in certain actions, whether it’s finishing – I don’t think he’s missed a single goal since he’s been here. One chance, one goal – that’s sometimes the difference between great players and good players.”

“Intelligence in the way he moves on the field, intelligence on defense, how he takes things away, does more than one task at a time, just shows his high level of intelligence. He connects quickly with the group, with his voice and leadership, his presence here has already impacted the group.”

The Galaxy (14-5-7) return to the top of the Western Conference with 49 points, two ahead of LAFC and five ahead of third-place Real Salt Lake. Of their last eight games, the Galaxy have played four at home, where they are 9-0-4, and four on the road. Atlanta (7-11-7) is 1-0-3 in its last four games and has not yet played the Galaxy.