Son Heung-min, who is linked to retirement from the national team after the 1996-born generation, reveals his struggles? LAFC manager: "After the international matches, we talked about his mental state..."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

LAFC's new head coach expressed unwavering trust in Son Heung-min (34), who returned to the team after overcoming the dual burdens of severe internal strife within and around the national team and long-haul flights.

On the 11th (Korean time), LAFC drew 1-1 with Vancouver Whitecaps in their home match in Round 28 of the 2026 U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) season, held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.

It was the first match under the interim management of Tamrat, who took over the helm following the departure of former manager Marc Dos Santos due to poor results. However, despite gaining a numerical advantage early on, the team managed to secure only one point.

Son Heung-min joined his club immediately after the October international break, having experienced not only physical fatigue but also extreme mental exhaustion. Although he scored from a free kick against Uzbekistan to reach 59 career international goals, setting a record for the most international goals in history, the national team was engulfed in turmoil. This was due to internal conflicts and fatigue reaching their peak, with tears and retirement rumors emerging among key members of the 1996-born generation, such as Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke 04), and Hwang In-beom (FC Porto), immediately after matches.

Despite this unsettled atmosphere, Son Heung-min started immediately upon his return. Playing as the central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Son Heung-min delivered a sharp through pass from midfield in the sixth minute of the first half to assist Jacob Shapland's run, leading to the direct red card for Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon who attempted to block it. Although he actively covered the ground with a free kick shot and an on-target shot in the 27th minute of the first half, his performance was overshadowed by the team's draw.

Interim manager Tamrat addressed the official post-match press conference, mentioning consideration and support regarding the impact of international duty. He stated, "After returning from the national team, it always takes time to readjust to the club," adding, "Since he was unable to complete most of the team training during a crucial period in establishing a new identity, adaptation is inevitably more difficult."

Tamrat further added, "We spoke with Son Heung-min and other players who returned from international matches about their physical and mental condition."

He also explained, "I placed Bouanga up front and Son Heung-min in the second line. I wanted them to be close to each other. If Bouanga runs a lot toward space, dragging and stretching the opposing defense, it creates space for Son Heung-min to receive the ball between the lines or in the half-space, turn, and lead the team's playmaking. That was the core intention."

Regarding Son Heung-min's performance against Vancouver, he noted, "He showed excellent play, such as creating decisive chances and a few sharp moments in the first half."

However, he also added that finishing was disappointing due to Vancouver's compact defense with 10 players. Manager Tamrat pointed out, "As the opposing defense became tighter, situations where we could have finished with a one-touch pass inside the box turned into longer touches, giving them time to defend. Son Heung-min's chance was like that."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original