'Endless Slump' Leaves Son Heung-min Frustrated to the Point of Desperation: "The Team's Mindset Is Unacceptable, If This Continues..." Even the Manager Makes an Angry 'Firm Statement'

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

LAFC, which managed only one win in five matches following a change of head coach, bowed its head after suffering a crushing home defeat to a lower-ranked team. As Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) continued his silence and fell into the quagmire of poor form along with the team, interim manager Xavi Tamayrit expressed deep frustration and a sense of responsibility after the match.

LAFC lost 1-3 to Minnesota United, ranked 12th in the Western Conference, in their home game for Round 33 of the 2026 MLS regular season held on the 2nd (Korean time) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.

It was a one-sided crushing defeat. LAFC conceded consecutive goals to Joaquin Ferreira in the 29th minute and Cheryon Valerius in the 34th minute of the first half, before conceding a decisive goal to Ferreira in the 36th minute of the second half. Although Sergio Vazquez scored a consolation goal in the 45th minute of the second half, it was not enough to turn the tide.

Son Heung-min's silence is also painful. Son Heung-min recorded one goal and two assists in five matches under Manager Tamayrit, but these were all concentrated in the match against Austin FC; he struggled to make an impact in the other games. The team also remains in 6th place in the Western Conference with a record of 12 wins, 11 draws, and 10 losses (47 points), missing out on the opportunity to enter the top four.

According to LAFC's official video, Manager Tamayrit bowed his head after the match, stating, "The first half was completely wrong," and adding, "From the start of the game, the entire team was not connected at all, and a game like this should never happen. I am the one most responsible, and I fully acknowledge my responsibility."

He also poured out harsh criticism regarding the team's mental state, as if he had made up his mind to speak. Manager Tamayrit said, "It is not a tactical issue. We tried to change everything in the first half, but nothing changed," and pointed out, "LAFC did not enter the match with the right mindset and energy. The opponent played desperately to advance to the playoffs, while LAFC was too complacent and loose. It is even more unacceptable because a win would have secured a much more advantageous position by entering the top four."

He also could not hide his despair over the reality of losing despite an overwhelming advantage in shots on target of 22 to 6. He self-criticized, saying, "In the second half, LAFC had 22 shots and the opponent had six, but such statistics mean nothing. I felt within 10 minutes of the start that we were going to lose. The opponent took the lead and dropped their line, which created opportunities for us, but we showed below-standard performance from beginning to end."

Finally, he bowed his head toward the fans. Manager Tamayrit said, "I had a deep conversation with the players in the locker room. We must deeply reflect on this match," and added, "I sincerely apologize to the spectators who came to the stadium and the fans who watched on TV for showing them such performance. If things continue like this, we do not deserve to win the championship."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original