Recent losses, outside criticism and a sense that the team\u2019s identity has strayed from its original path have left LAFC in an uncomfortable position. <\/p>\n
As the team prepares to host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday at BMO Stadium before a mandatory break for the World Cup, coach Marc Dos Santos shared his thoughts on the team\u2019s adversity and goals for the future.<\/p>\n
The coach said one of his main self-criticisms involved straying from the attacking identity he intended to build at LAFC since taking over as head coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cOutside criticism when the team loses isn\u2019t that important to me because I\u2019ve learned in my life that if you\u2019re going to build a life based on what outsiders think of you, you\u2019re going to be very unhappy,\u201d Dos Santos said. \u201cBut in self-reflection, I\u2019ll tell you one thing: I\u2019m hard on myself. I believe we were building something with a clear identity, and after the series against Cruz Azul \u2014 in the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals \u2014 I thought about switching to a three-man backline to defend more. I went in a more defensive direction, and I don\u2019t want to be like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The coach said the tactical change was the wrong move for LAFC.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a mistake on my part, and it doesn\u2019t reflect LAFC\u2019s identity \u2014 it\u2019s not what I want to build here,\u201d Dos Santos said. \u201cI want to make sure that this summer I thoroughly analyze what we need to change, and I have to stay true to LAFC\u2019s identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comments come at a delicate time for LAFC, which has let potential MLS wins slip away despite showing competitive moments recently against St. Louis City SC and Nashville SC.<\/p>\n
LAFC had hoped to once again be one of the dominant teams in the Western Conference, but offensive inconsistencies and tactical adjustments have led to questions about the coaching staff. The Los Angeles side sits in seventh place in the West with 21 points, eight points behind the leader, the Vancouver Whitecaps.<\/p>\n
Dos Santos dismissed the idea that the problem is solely related to the tactical scheme and insisted that the most important change involves reclaiming aggressive principles with and without the ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we have the ball, we have to show the character to go after it \u2014 we can\u2019t be afraid,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd when we don\u2019t have the ball, we can\u2019t just sit back. Look at one of the best teams in the world, Paris Saint-Germain F.C. Look at how they run without the ball. That\u2019s soccer today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amid this soccer overhaul, one of the most closely watched names remains Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward hasn\u2019t made the same dominant influence as in previous seasons, though Dos Santos insisted that his relationship with the player remains solid and transparent.<\/p>\n
\u201cDenis knows what I want. I\u2019ve always been very honest with him,\u201d the coach said. \u201cLast year we played a lot of games in a 3-5-2, defending a lot with Denis and Son [Heung-min,] but the club and I want to move to a different model. We\u2019re all on the same page.\u201d<\/p>\n
Son Heung-min will temporarily leave LAFC after the match against Seattle to join South Korea\u2019s training camp ahead of the World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\n
The Asian forward said his full focus remains on this weekend\u2019s match.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not thinking about that yet,\u201d Son said of the World Cup. \u201cThe most important match is on Sunday. I just want to make sure we get a great result before heading to the World Cup and arrive in good physical condition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Son expects to be tested when South Korea travels to Mexico to play some of its World Cup matches.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not easy in Mexico, honestly,\u201d he explained. \u201cThe altitude and conditions are different, but you have to love those big challenges. We\u2019re really excited.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Son prepares to leave, LAFC faces a second-half schedule filled with intense competition. Following the match against Seattle, the club will return from the break to play against the rival Galaxy on July 17.<\/p>\n
For Dos Santos, these challenges define the demands of managing LAFC.<\/p>\n
\u201cLAFC is a club that wants to win and whose fans want to see it win,\u201d Dos Santos said. \u201cHere, there\u2019s always the responsibility to perform at a [high level]. If you don\u2019t want to be in big games, you don\u2019t coach at LAFC.\u201d<\/p>\n
The coach said external criticism isn\u2019t influencing his plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pressure we feel is the pressure we put on ourselves,\u201d Dos Santos said. \u201cPressure is when a doctor calls you and tells you you have a problem, or when your child has a problem. Soccer is a sport. You can win or lose. What you can control is improving the team during the week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dos Santos said the World Cup break will serve as a key opportunity for internal analysis before redefining the club\u2019s soccer direction. With the season barely halfway through, the coach said that regaining the team\u2019s identity will be just as important as earning points when MLS returns in the summer.<\/p>\n