*This content was translated by AI.
Recently, Son Heung-min (34), who led LAFC to victory with multiple assists, expressed a strong aversion to defeat and did not hide his desire to win the championship.
On the 1st (Korea time), the U.S. outlet 'Athlon Sports' reported, "Son Heung-min showed intense competitiveness, saying he gets extremely angry after a loss."
According to the media, Son Heung-min stated in an interview, "I have no personal goals. I only want to win in every possible game." He added, "I hate losing terribly. Even if I lose in training, I don't talk to anyone. If we lose in official matches, I get really angry. I must accept the result and respect the opponent, but losing makes me furious." This reflects the fierce competitive spirit he has maintained since his days in Europe.
This obsession with victory translated into a perfect result on the field. On the 30th of last month, Son Heung-min provided two assists in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals against Toluca (Mexico) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, leading LAFC to a 2-1 victory.
Son Heung-min assisted Timothy Tillman's opening goal in the 6th minute of the second half and perfectly set up Enciso Tapari's winning header with a sharp free kick in stoppage time.
As his outstanding performance continued, praise from the local media poured in. The U.S. soccer-specific podcast 'MLS Moves' dismissed recent rumors about Son Heung-min's slump, stating, "It was just that the midfield support was lacking so far." It further praised him, saying, "Son Heung-min has already recorded 14 assists this season. He is clearly the match MVP."
Major League Soccer (MLS) also evaluated Son Heung-min as having evolved to a higher level through its official channel. MLS stated, "A new version of Son Heung-min has emerged," analyzing, "He has transformed from a simple goal scorer into a perfect player who orchestrates the game and creates opportunities." This season, Son Heung-min has established himself as a complete playmaker with seven assists in eight MLS matches and six assists in seven Champions Cup matches.
Meanwhile, LAFC will play the second leg away match against Toluca, Mexico, at Estadio Nemesis Diez on the 7th. The venue is located at an altitude of 2,660 meters, and a difficult match is expected. Previously, LAFC showed weakness in high-altitude conditions, drawing 1-1 against Cruz Azul (Mexico) in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarter-finals held at an altitude of 2,130 meters.
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*This content was translated by AI.
