*This content was translated by AI.
Marc Dos Santos, LAFC's head coach, unleashed unprecedented criticism against the Major League Soccer (MLS) office over the grueling schedule imposed on his squad, including key player Son Heung-min (34). He argued that the league's operation, which ignores the physical limits of players, is hindering the team's championship aspirations.
On the 30th (Korean time), LAFC defeated Toluca (Mexico) 2-1 in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA, thanks to Son Heung-min's multi-assist performance.
Despite holding a favorable position, Coach Dos Santos did not express joy over the victory at the post-match press conference; instead, he delivered a series of pointed remarks.
According to a video released by LAFC, Coach Dos Santos said, "This schedule is a scandal and a disgrace. I'd like to meet the genius who claimed that immediately traveling to Toluca after a road trip to San Diego is a good idea."
In particular, he strongly criticized the league's attitude of treating players like machines. Coach Dos Santos stated, "It seems people think players can run at any time like characters in a game. Video game players never tire, but reality is different. We have been on a relentless schedule for 10 weeks, shuttling between Saturdays and Wednesdays. Sometimes matches are scheduled for midday, at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. I've endured enough."
On this day, Son Heung-min led the attack alone in the absence of Denis Bouanga, who was suspended, and played the full 90 minutes. Although he did not score, he assisted Timothy Tillman's first-half goal in the 6th minute of the second half and delivered a dramatic free-kick assist in stoppage time for Enock Tapa's winning goal, helping secure the team's 2-1 victory.
Following this, Coach Dos Santos also raised concerns about fairness compared to leagues on other continents. He said, "When Palmeiras or Flamengo (both from Brazil) reach the upper rounds of major tournament playoffs, the Brazilian league adjusts its schedule to support them. Similarly, France's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) changes its league schedule for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), doesn't it? MLS must support its affiliated teams. I even wonder if the league office doesn't want our team to reach the final."
LAFC will play the second leg of the semifinals in Toluca, Mexico, on the 7th of next month. Given that it is a high-altitude away match in mountainous terrain, extreme physical exhaustion is expected, yet the team must also play a league match against San Diego in between. Coach Dos Santos revealed, "Training is scheduled for tomorrow as well. There are no rest days. We will implement a major rotation for the San Diego match to rest the players, because their physical limits will be at their peak in the second leg against Toluca."
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*This content was translated by AI.
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